Carrier switching with uplink carrier aggregation capability

The present application is a 371 national stage filing of International PCT Application No. PCT/US2022/021296 by RICO ALVARINO et al. entitled “CARRIER SWITCHING WITH UPLINK CARRIER AGGREGATION CAPABILITY,” filed Mar. 22, 2022; and claims priority to Greek Patent Application No. 20210100256 by RICO ALVARINO et al., entitled “CARRIER SWITCHING WITH UPLINK CARRIER AGGREGATION CAPABILITY,” filed Apr. 14, 2021, each of which is assigned to the assignee hereof, and each of which is expressly incorporated by reference in its entirety herein.

The following relates to wireless communication, including carrier switching with uplink carrier aggregation capability.

Wireless communications systems are widely deployed to provide various types of communication content such as voice, video, packet data, messaging, broadcast, and so on. These systems may be capable of supporting communication with multiple users by sharing the available system resources (e.g., time, frequency, and power). Examples of such multiple-access systems include fourth generation (4G) systems such as Long Term Evolution (LTE) systems, LTE-Advanced (LTE-A) systems, or LTE-A Pro systems, and fifth generation (5G) systems which may be referred to as New Radio (NR) systems. These systems may employ technologies such as code division multiple access (CDMA), time division multiple access (TDMA), frequency division multiple access (FDMA), orthogonal FDMA (OFDMA), or discrete Fourier transform spread orthogonal frequency division multiplexing (DFT-S-OFDM). A wireless multiple-access communications system may include one or more network entities or one or more network access nodes, each simultaneously supporting communication for multiple communication devices, which may be otherwise known as user equipment (UE).

Some wireless communications systems support communications between a UE and a network entity on multiple carriers. In some cases, the UE may tune between carriers to transmit one or more sounding reference signals (SRSs) to the network entity.

The described techniques relate to improved methods, systems, devices, and apparatuses that support carrier switching with uplink carrier aggregation capability. Generally, the described techniques provide for a user equipment (UE) to operate in an enhanced uplink carrier aggregation mode for transmission of uplink messages on two or more component carriers. The UE may transmit a capability message to a network entity. In some examples, the capability message may indicate that the UE supports operation in the enhanced uplink carrier aggregation mode for transmission of a first uplink message on a first component carrier overlapping in time with transmission of a second uplink message on a second component carrier. The transmission of the second uplink message in accordance with the enhanced uplink carrier aggregation mode may result in one or more interruption time gaps in the uplink transmissions on the first component carrier. The UE may receive a control message from the network entity in response to the capability message. The control message may indicate a configuration for the UE to operate in the enhanced uplink carrier aggregation mode. The UE may transmit the first uplink message over the first component carrier and the second uplink message over the second component carrier in accordance with the enhanced uplink carrier aggregation mode. In some examples, the UE may transmit the second uplink message after at least one of the one or more interruption time gaps on the first component carrier. The UE may thereby support uplink carrier aggregation for transmission of the first and second uplink messages while reducing power consumption by the UE.

A method for wireless communication at a UE is described. The method may include transmitting a capability message indicating that the UE supports operation in an enhanced uplink carrier aggregation mode for transmission of a first uplink message on a first component carrier overlapping in time with transmission of a second uplink message on a second component carrier, where transmission of the second uplink message in accordance with the enhanced uplink carrier aggregation mode is associated with one or more interruption time gaps on the first component carrier, transmitting the first uplink message over the first component carrier in accordance with the enhanced uplink carrier aggregation mode, and transmitting the second uplink message over the second component carrier after at least one of the one or more interruption time gaps on the first component carrier, in accordance with the enhanced uplink carrier aggregation mode.

An apparatus for wireless communication at a UE is described. The apparatus may include a processor, memory coupled with the processor, and instructions stored in the memory. The instructions may be executable by the processor to cause the apparatus to transmit a capability message indicating that the UE supports operation in an enhanced uplink carrier aggregation mode for transmission of a first uplink message on a first component carrier overlapping in time with transmission of a second uplink message on a second component carrier, where transmission of the second uplink message in accordance with the enhanced uplink carrier aggregation mode is associated with one or more interruption time gaps on the first component carrier, transmit the first uplink message over the first component carrier in accordance with the enhanced uplink carrier aggregation mode, and transmit the second uplink message over the second component carrier after at least one of the one or more interruption time gaps on the first component carrier, in accordance with the enhanced uplink carrier aggregation mode.

Another apparatus for wireless communication at a UE is described. The apparatus may include means for transmitting a capability message indicating that the UE supports operation in an enhanced uplink carrier aggregation mode for transmission of a first uplink message on a first component carrier overlapping in time with transmission of a second uplink message on a second component carrier, where transmission of the second uplink message in accordance with the enhanced uplink carrier aggregation mode is associated with one or more interruption time gaps on the first component carrier, means for transmitting the first uplink message over the first component carrier in accordance with the enhanced uplink carrier aggregation mode, and means for transmitting the second uplink message over the second component carrier after at least one of the one or more interruption time gaps on the first component carrier, in accordance with the enhanced uplink carrier aggregation mode.

A non-transitory computer-readable medium storing code for wireless communication at a UE is described. The code may include instructions executable by a processor to transmit a capability message indicating that the UE supports operation in an enhanced uplink carrier aggregation mode for transmission of a first uplink message on a first component carrier overlapping in time with transmission of a second uplink message on a second component carrier, where transmission of the second uplink message in accordance with the enhanced uplink carrier aggregation mode is associated with one or more interruption time gaps on the first component carrier, transmit the first uplink message over the first component carrier in accordance with the enhanced uplink carrier aggregation mode, and transmit the second uplink message over the second component carrier after at least one of the one or more interruption time gaps on the first component carrier, in accordance with the enhanced uplink carrier aggregation mode.

In some examples of the method, apparatuses, and non-transitory computer-readable medium described herein, transmitting the capability message may include operations, features, means, or instructions for signaling support for the enhanced uplink carrier aggregation mode on a per component carrier basis.

In some examples of the method, apparatuses, and non-transitory computer-readable medium described herein, transmitting the capability message may include operations, features, means, or instructions for indicating, for the second component carrier, that the UE may be capable of transitioning a transmit chain associated with the second component carrier between a dormant mode and an active mode.

In some examples of the method, apparatuses, and non-transitory computer-readable medium described herein, transmitting the capability message may include operations, features, means, or instructions for indicating a duration of the one or more interruption time gaps.

Some examples of the method, apparatuses, and non-transitory computer-readable medium described herein may include operations, features, means, or instructions for receiving, based on the transmitting of the capability message, a control message that indicates a configuration for the UE to operate in the enhanced uplink carrier aggregation mode.

In some examples of the method, apparatuses, and non-transitory computer-readable medium described herein, receiving the control message that indicates the configuration may include operations, features, means, or instructions for receiving a configuration bit per component carrier, the configuration bit indicating whether the UE is to operate in the enhanced uplink carrier aggregation mode.

Some examples of the method, apparatuses, and non-transitory computer-readable medium described herein may further include operations, features, means, or instructions for operating, in accordance with the enhanced uplink carrier aggregation mode, a transmit chain associated with the second component carrier in a dormant mode prior to a scheduled transmission of the second uplink message over the second component carrier, activating the transmit chain during at least one of the one or more interruption time gaps, operating, in accordance with the enhanced uplink carrier aggregation mode, the transmit chain in an active mode during the scheduled transmission of the second uplink message over the second component carrier, and transitioning the transmit chain from the active mode to the dormant mode after transmission of the second uplink message.

In some examples of the method, apparatuses, and non-transitory computer-readable medium described herein, transitioning the transmit chain from the active mode to the dormant mode may include operations, features, means, or instructions for activating a timer based on transmission of the second uplink message and transitioning the transmit chain from the active mode to the dormant mode after expiration of the timer.

Some examples of the method, apparatuses, and non-transitory computer-readable medium described herein may further include operations, features, means, or instructions for resetting the timer prior to expiration of the timer and based on the UE being scheduled to transmit additional uplink messages over the second component carrier.

In some examples of the method, apparatuses, and non-transitory computer-readable medium described herein, the first uplink message and the second uplink message may be each sounding reference signal (SRS) messages.

In some examples of the method, apparatuses, and non-transitory computer-readable medium described herein, transmitting the capability message may include operations, features, means, or instructions for signaling support for both uplink carrier aggregation and SRS carrier switching.

In some examples of the method, apparatuses, and non-transitory computer-readable medium described herein, transmitting the capability message may include operations, features, means, or instructions for indicating support for simultaneous transmissions in connection with SRS carrier switching.

A method for wireless communication at a network entity is described. The method may include receiving a capability message indicating that a UE supports operation in an enhanced uplink carrier aggregation mode for transmission of a first uplink message on a first component carrier overlapping in time with transmission of a second uplink message on a second component carrier, where transmission of the second uplink message in accordance with the enhanced uplink carrier aggregation mode is associated with one or more interruption time gaps on the first component carrier, receiving the first uplink message over the first component carrier in accordance with the enhanced uplink carrier aggregation mode, and receiving the second uplink message over the second component carrier after at least one of the one or more interruption time gaps on the first component carrier, in accordance with the enhanced uplink carrier aggregation mode.

An apparatus for wireless communication at a network entity is described. The apparatus may include a processor, memory coupled with the processor, and instructions stored in the memory. The instructions may be executable by the processor to cause the apparatus to receive a capability message indicating that a UE supports operation in an enhanced uplink carrier aggregation mode for transmission of a first uplink message on a first component carrier overlapping in time with transmission of a second uplink message on a second component carrier, where transmission of the second uplink message in accordance with the enhanced uplink carrier aggregation mode is associated with one or more interruption time gaps on the first component carrier, receive the first uplink message over the first component carrier in accordance with the enhanced uplink carrier aggregation mode, and receive the second uplink message over the second component carrier after at least one of the one or more interruption time gaps on the first component carrier, in accordance with the enhanced uplink carrier aggregation mode.

Another apparatus for wireless communication at a network entity is described. The apparatus may include means for receiving a capability message indicating that a UE supports operation in an enhanced uplink carrier aggregation mode for transmission of a first uplink message on a first component carrier overlapping in time with transmission of a second uplink message on a second component carrier, where transmission of the second uplink message in accordance with the enhanced uplink carrier aggregation mode is associated with one or more interruption time gaps on the first component carrier, means for receiving the first uplink message over the first component carrier in accordance with the enhanced uplink carrier aggregation mode, and means for receiving the second uplink message over the second component carrier after at least one of the one or more interruption time gaps on the first component carrier, in accordance with the enhanced uplink carrier aggregation mode.

A non-transitory computer-readable medium storing code for wireless communication at a network entity is described. The code may include instructions executable by a processor to receive a capability message indicating that a UE supports operation in an enhanced uplink carrier aggregation mode for transmission of a first uplink message on a first component carrier overlapping in time with transmission of a second uplink message on a second component carrier, where transmission of the second uplink message in accordance with the enhanced uplink carrier aggregation mode is associated with one or more interruption time gaps on the first component carrier, receive the first uplink message over the first component carrier in accordance with the enhanced uplink carrier aggregation mode, and receive the second uplink message over the second component carrier after at least one of the one or more interruption time gaps on the first component carrier, in accordance with the enhanced uplink carrier aggregation mode.

In some examples of the method, apparatuses, and non-transitory computer-readable medium described herein, receiving the capability message may include operations, features, means, or instructions for receiving an indication of support for the enhanced uplink carrier aggregation mode on a per component carrier basis.

In some examples of the method, apparatuses, and non-transitory computer-readable medium described herein, receiving the capability message may include operations, features, means, or instructions for receiving an indication, for the second component carrier, that the UE may be capable of transitioning a transmit chain associated with the second component carrier between a dormant mode and an active mode.

In some examples of the method, apparatuses, and non-transitory computer-readable medium described herein, receiving the capability message may include operations, features, means, or instructions for receiving an indication of a duration of the one or more interruption time gaps.

Some examples of the method, apparatuses, and non-transitory computer-readable medium described herein may include operations, features, means, or instructions for transmitting, based on the capability message, a control message that indicates a configuration for the UE to operate in the enhanced uplink carrier aggregation mode.

In some examples of the method, apparatuses, and non-transitory computer-readable medium described herein, transmitting the control message that indicates the configuration may include operations, features, means, or instructions for transmitting a configuration bit per component carrier, the configuration bit indicating whether the UE is to operate in the enhanced uplink carrier aggregation mode.

In some examples of the method, apparatuses, and non-transitory computer-readable medium described herein, the first uplink message and the second uplink message may be each SRS messages.

In some examples of the method, apparatuses, and non-transitory computer-readable medium described herein, receiving the capability message may include operations, features, means, or instructions for receiving an indication of support for both uplink carrier aggregation and SRS carrier switching.

In some examples of the method, apparatuses, and non-transitory computer-readable medium described herein, receiving the capability message may include operations, features, means, or instructions for receiving an indication of support for simultaneous transmissions in connection with SRS carrier switching.

In some wireless communications systems, a user equipment (UE) and a network entity may communicate via one or more component carriers. Each component carrier may be configured to support uplink communications, downlink communications, or both (e.g., in a time division duplexing (TDD) mode of operation). In some examples, the UE may perform uplink carrier switching for a scheduled uplink transmission, such as a sounding reference signal (SRS) transmission or transmission of another uplink message. For example, the UE may perform one or more uplink transmissions on a first component carrier, and the UE may retune to a second component carrier to perform the scheduled uplink transmission (e.g., to obtain channel state information (CSI) via reciprocity). In some cases, the UE may support uplink carrier aggregation on the first and second component carriers. That is, the UE may be capable of simultaneous transmission on the first and second component carriers using first and second transmit chains. Continuous activation of the first and second transmit chains may result in relatively high power consumption by the UE.

As described herein, a UE may indicate a capability to operate in an enhanced uplink carrier aggregation mode to support uplink carrier aggregation techniques while utilizing a component carrier switching framework to reduce power consumption by the UE. The enhanced uplink carrier aggregation mode may provide for at least partially simultaneous transmissions of a first uplink message on a first component carrier and a second uplink message on a second component carrier. Transmission of the second uplink message in accordance with the enhanced uplink carrier aggregation mode may interrupt uplink transmissions, downlink receptions, or both by the UE on the first component carrier. A network entity may receive an indication of the UE capability and, in some examples, the network entity may configure the UE to operate in the enhanced uplink carrier aggregation mode.

The UE may signal support for the enhanced uplink carrier aggregation mode on a per component carrier basis. In some examples, the network entity may indicate whether the UE is to operate in the enhanced uplink carrier aggregation mode on a per component carrier basis. For example, the network entity may transmit a configuration bit per component carrier to indicate the configuration. In some other examples, the UE may signal support for the enhanced uplink carrier aggregation on a per band basis, or per band of band combination basis. The UE may additionally or alternatively indicate whether the UE is capable of transitioning a transmit chain associated with a component carrier between a dormant mode (e.g., the transmit chain is off, such that the UE may not perform uplink transmission on the corresponding component carrier) and an active mode (e.g., the transmit chain is on and the UE is prepared to perform uplink transmission on the component carrier).

In some examples, operations according to the enhanced uplink carrier aggregation configuration may include continuously, or near-continuously, operating a first transmit chain associated with a first component carrier in an active mode, and operating a second transmit chain associated with a second component carrier in a dormant mode until a scheduled uplink transmission. The UE may transition the second transmit chain to the active mode to perform the scheduled uplink transmission, and the UE may transition the second transmit chain back to the dormant mode after performing the scheduled uplink transmission. The UE may activate and deactivate the second transmit chain during interruption time gaps that may interrupt, or pause, uplink communications by the UE on the first component carrier. The interruption time gaps may be similar to switching gaps configured for a UE to retune between component carriers while performing uplink carrier switching. The UE may thereby consume less power while operating in accordance with the enhanced uplink carrier aggregation mode as compared with operations in an uplink carrier aggregation mode.

Aspects of the disclosure are initially described in the context of wireless communications systems. Additional aspects of the disclosure are described in the context of component carrier configurations, component carrier switching timelines, component carrier activation timelines, and process flows. Aspects of the disclosure are further illustrated by and described with reference to apparatus diagrams, system diagrams, and flowcharts that relate to carrier switching with uplink carrier aggregation capability.

1 FIG. 100 100 105 115 130 100 illustrates an example of a wireless communications systemthat supports carrier switching with uplink carrier aggregation capability in accordance with aspects of the present disclosure. The wireless communications systemmay include one or more network entities, one or more UEs, and a core network. In some examples, the wireless communications systemmay be a Long Term Evolution (LTE) network, an LTE-Advanced (LTE-A) network, an LTE-A Pro network, a New Radio (NR) network, or a network operating in accordance with other systems and radio technologies, including future systems and radio technologies not explicitly mentioned herein.

105 100 105 105 115 125 105 110 115 105 125 110 105 115 The network entitiesmay be dispersed throughout a geographic area to form the wireless communications systemand may include devices in different forms or having different capabilities. In various examples, a network entitymay be referred to as a network element, a mobility element, a radio access network (RAN) node, or network equipment, among other nomenclature. In some examples, network entitiesand UEsmay wirelessly communicate via one or more communication links(e.g., a radio frequency (RF) access link). For example, a network entitymay support a coverage area(e.g., a geographic coverage area) over which the UEsand the network entitymay establish one or more communication links. The coverage areamay be an example of a geographic area over which a network entityand a UEmay support the communication of signals according to one or more radio access technologies (RATs).

115 110 100 115 115 115 115 115 105 1 FIG. 1 FIG. The UEsmay be dispersed throughout a coverage areaof the wireless communications system, and each UEmay be stationary, or mobile, or both at different times. The UEsmay be devices in different forms or having different capabilities. Some example UEsare illustrated in. The UEsdescribed herein may be able to communicate with various types of devices, such as other UEsor network entities, as shown in.

100 105 115 115 105 115 105 115 115 105 105 115 105 115 105 115 105 As described herein, a node of the wireless communications system, which may be referred to as a network node, or a wireless node, may be a network entity(e.g., any network entity described herein), a UE(e.g., any UE described herein), a network controller, an apparatus, a device, a computing system, one or more components, or another suitable processing entity configured to perform any of the techniques described herein. For example, a node may be a UE. As another example, a node may be a network entity. As another example, a first node may be configured to communicate with a second node or a third node. In one aspect of this example, the first node may be a UE, the second node may be a network entity, and the third node may be a UE. In another aspect of this example, the first node may be a UE, the second node may be a network entity, and the third node may be a network entity. In yet other aspects of this example, the first, second, and third nodes may be different relative to these examples. Similarly, reference to a UE, network entity, apparatus, device, computing system, or the like may include disclosure of the UE, network entity, apparatus, device, computing system, or the like being a node. For example, disclosure that a UEis configured to receive information from a network entityalso discloses that a first node is configured to receive information from a second node.

105 130 105 130 120 105 120 105 130 105 162 168 120 162 168 115 130 155 In some examples, network entitiesmay communicate with the core network, or with one another, or both. For example, network entitiesmay communicate with the core networkvia one or more backhaul communication links(e.g., in accordance with an S1, N2, N3, or other interface protocol). In some examples, network entitiesmay communicate with one another over a backhaul communication link(e.g., in accordance with an X2, Xn, or other interface protocol) either directly (e.g., directly between network entities) or indirectly (e.g., via a core network). In some examples, network entitiesmay communicate with one another via a midhaul communication link(e.g., in accordance with a midhaul interface protocol) or a fronthaul communication link(e.g., in accordance with a fronthaul interface protocol), or any combination thereof. The backhaul communication links, midhaul communication links, or fronthaul communication linksmay be or include one or more wired links (e.g., an electrical link, an optical fiber link), one or more wireless links (e.g., a radio link, a wireless optical link), among other examples or various combinations thereof. A UEmay communicate with the core networkthrough a communication link.

105 140 105 140 105 140 One or more of the network entitiesdescribed herein may include or may be referred to as a base station(e.g., a base transceiver station, a radio base station, an NR base station, an access point, a radio transceiver, a NodeB, an eNodeB (eNB), a next-generation NodeB or a giga-NodeB (either of which may be referred to as a gNB), a 5G NB, a next-generation eNB (ng-eNB), a Home NodeB, a Home eNodeB, or other suitable terminology). In some examples, a network entity(e.g., a base station) may be implemented in an aggregated (e.g., monolithic, standalone) base station architecture, which may be configured to utilize a protocol stack that is physically or logically integrated within a single network entity(e.g., a single RAN node, such as a base station).

105 105 105 160 165 170 175 180 170 105 105 105 In some examples, a network entitymay be implemented in a disaggregated architecture (e.g., a disaggregated base station architecture, a disaggregated RAN architecture), which may be configured to utilize a protocol stack that is physically or logically distributed among two or more network entities, such as an integrated access backhaul (IAB) network, an open RAN (O-RAN) (e.g., a network configuration sponsored by the O-RAN Alliance), or a virtualized RAN (vRAN) (e.g., a cloud RAN (C-RAN)). For example, a network entitymay include one or more of a central unit (CU), a distributed unit (DU), a radio unit (RU), a RAN Intelligent Controller (RIC)(e.g., a Near-Real Time RIC (Near-RT RIC), a Non-Real Time RIC (Non-RT RIC)), a Service Management and Orchestration (SMO)system, or any combination thereof. An RUmay also be referred to as a radio head, a smart radio head, a remote radio head (RRH), a remote radio unit (RRU), or a transmission reception point (TRP). One or more components of the network entitiesin a disaggregated RAN architecture may be co-located, or one or more components of the network entitiesmay be located in distributed locations (e.g., separate physical locations). In some examples, one or more network entitiesof a disaggregated RAN architecture may be implemented as virtual units (e.g., a virtual CU (VCU), a virtual DU (VDU), a virtual RU (VRU)).

160 165 175 160 165 175 160 165 160 165 160 160 165 170 165 170 160 165 170 165 170 165 170 160 165 165 170 160 165 170 160 165 170 160 160 165 162 165 170 168 162 168 105 The split of functionality between a CU, a DU, and an RUis flexible and may support different functionalities depending upon which functions (e.g., network layer functions, protocol layer functions, baseband functions, RF functions, and any combinations thereof) are performed at a CU, a DU, or an RU. For example, a functional split of a protocol stack may be employed between a CUand a DUsuch that the CUmay support one or more layers of the protocol stack and the DUmay support one or more different layers of the protocol stack. In some examples, the CUmay host upper protocol layer (e.g., layer 3 (L3), layer 2 (L2)) functionality and signaling (e.g., Radio Resource Control (RRC), service data adaption protocol (SDAP), Packet Data Convergence Protocol (PDCP)). The CUmay be connected to one or more DUsor RUs, and the one or more DUsor RUsmay host lower protocol layers, such as layer 1 (L1) (e.g., physical (PHY) layer) or L2 (e.g., radio link control (RLC) layer, medium access control (MAC) layer) functionality and signaling, and may each be at least partially controlled by the CU. Additionally, or alternatively, a functional split of the protocol stack may be employed between a DUand an RUsuch that the DUmay support one or more layers of the protocol stack and the RUmay support one or more different layers of the protocol stack. The DUmay support one or multiple different cells (e.g., via one or more RUs). In some cases, a functional split between a CUand a DU, or between a DUand an RUmay be within a protocol layer (e.g., some functions for a protocol layer may be performed by one of a CU, a DU, or an RU, while other functions of the protocol layer are performed by a different one of the CU, the DU, or the RU). A CUmay be functionally split further into CU control plane (CU-CP) and CU user plane (CU-UP) functions. A CUmay be connected to one or more DUsvia a midhaul communication link(e.g., F1, F1-c, F1-u), and a DUmay be connected to one or more RUsvia a fronthaul communication link(e.g., open fronthaul (FH) interface). In some examples, a midhaul communication linkor a fronthaul communication linkmay be implemented in accordance with an interface (e.g., a channel) between layers of a protocol stack supported by respective network entitiesthat are in communication over such communication links.

100 130 105 104 104 165 170 160 105 140 105 105 104 120 104 165 115 170 104 165 104 104 165 104 115 104 104 In wireless communications systems (e.g., wireless communications system), infrastructure and spectral resources for radio access may support wireless backhaul link capabilities to supplement wired backhaul connections, providing an IAB network architecture (e.g., to a core network). In some cases, in an IAB network, one or more network entities(e.g., IAB nodes) may be partially controlled by each other. One or more IAB nodesmay be referred to as a donor entity or an IAB donor. One or more DUsor one or more RUsmay be partially controlled by one or more CUsassociated with a donor network entity(e.g., a donor base station). The one or more donor network entities(e.g., IAB donors) may be in communication with one or more additional network entities(e.g., IAB nodes) via supported access and backhaul links (e.g., backhaul communication links). IAB nodesmay include an IAB mobile termination (IAB-MT) controlled (e.g., scheduled) by DUsof a coupled IAB donor. An IAB-MT may include an independent set of antennas for relay of communications with UEs, or may share the same antennas (e.g., of an RU) of an IAB nodeused for access via the DUof the IAB node(e.g., referred to as virtual IAB-MT (vIAB-MT)). In some examples, the IAB nodesmay include DUsthat support communication links with additional entities (e.g., IAB nodes, UEs) within the relay chain or configuration of the access network (e.g., downstream). In such cases, one or more components of the disaggregated RAN architecture (e.g., one or more IAB nodesor components of IAB nodes) may be configured to operate according to the techniques described herein.

104 115 130 130 130 160 165 170 160 130 104 160 160 160 For instance, an access network (AN) or RAN may include communications between access nodes (e.g., an IAB donor), IAB nodes, and one or more UEs. The IAB donor may facilitate connection between the core networkand the AN (e.g., via a wired or wireless connection to the core network). That is, an IAB donor may refer to a RAN node with a wired or wireless connection to core network. The IAB donor may include a CUand at least one DU(e.g., and RU), in which case the CUmay communicate with the core networkover an interface (e.g., a backhaul link). IAB donor and IAB nodesmay communicate over an F1 interface according to a protocol that defines signaling messages (e.g., an F1 AP protocol). Additionally, or alternatively, the CUmay communicate with the core network over an interface, which may be an example of a portion of backhaul link, and may communicate with other CUs(e.g., a CUassociated with an alternative IAB donor) over an Xn-C interface, which may be an example of a portion of a backhaul link.

104 115 165 104 104 104 104 104 104 104 104 165 104 104 115 An IAB nodemay refer to a RAN node that provides IAB functionality (e.g., access for UEs, wireless self-backhauling capabilities). A DUmay act as a distributed scheduling node towards child nodes associated with the IAB node, and the IAB-MT may act as a scheduled node towards parent nodes associated with the IAB node. That is, an IAB donor may be referred to as a parent node in communication with one or more child nodes (e.g., an IAB donor may relay transmissions for UEs through one or more other IAB nodes). Additionally, or alternatively, an IAB nodemay also be referred to as a parent node or a child node to other IAB nodes, depending on the relay chain or configuration of the AN. Therefore, the IAB-MT entity of IAB nodesmay provide a Uu interface for a child IAB nodeto receive signaling from a parent IAB node, and the DU interface (e.g., DUs) may provide a Uu interface for a parent IAB nodeto signal to a child IAB nodeor UE.

104 160 120 130 104 165 115 104 115 160 104 104 115 165 104 104 104 165 104 165 104 For example, IAB nodemay be referred to as a parent node that supports communications for a child IAB node, and referred to as a child IAB node associated with an IAB donor. The IAB donor may include a CUwith a wired or wireless connection (e.g., a backhaul communication link) to the core networkand may act as parent node to IAB nodes. For example, the DUof IAB donor may relay transmissions to UEsthrough IAB nodes, and may directly signal transmissions to a UE. The CUof IAB donor may signal communication link establishment via an F1 interface to IAB nodes, and the IAB nodesmay schedule transmissions (e.g., transmissions to the UEsrelayed from the IAB donor) through the DUs. That is, data may be relayed to and from IAB nodesvia signaling over an NR Uu interface to MT of the IAB node. Communications with IAB nodemay be scheduled by a DUof IAB donor and communications with IAB nodemay be scheduled by DUof IAB node.

115 105 140 104 165 160 170 175 180 In the case of the techniques described herein applied in the context of a disaggregated RAN architecture, one or more components of the disaggregated RAN architecture may be configured to support carrier switching with uplink carrier aggregation capability as described herein. For example, some operations described as being performed by a UEor a network entity(e.g., a base station) may additionally, or alternatively, be performed by one or more components of the disaggregated RAN architecture (e.g., IAB nodes, DUs, CUs, RUs, MC, SMO).

115 115 115 A UEmay include or may be referred to as a mobile device, a wireless device, a remote device, a handheld device, or a subscriber device, or some other suitable terminology, where the “device” may also be referred to as a unit, a station, a terminal, or a client, among other examples. A UEmay also include or may be referred to as a personal electronic device such as a cellular phone, a personal digital assistant (PDA), a tablet computer, a laptop computer, or a personal computer. In some examples, a UEmay include or be referred to as a wireless local loop (WLL) station, an Internet of Things (IoT) device, an Internet of Everything (IoE) device, or a machine type communications (MTC) device, among other examples, which may be implemented in various objects such as appliances, or vehicles, meters, among other examples.

115 115 105 1 FIG. The UEsdescribed herein may be able to communicate with various types of devices, such as other UEsthat may sometimes act as relays as well as the network entitiesand the network equipment including macro eNBs or gNBs, small cell eNBs or gNBs, or relay base stations, among other examples, as shown in.

115 105 125 125 125 100 115 115 105 105 105 105 140 160 165 170 105 The UEsand the network entitiesmay wirelessly communicate with one another via one or more communication links(e.g., an access link) over one or more carriers. The term “carrier” may refer to a set of RF spectrum resources having a defined physical layer structure for supporting the communication links. For example, a carrier used for a communication linkmay include a portion of a RF spectrum band (e.g., a bandwidth part (BWP)) that is operated according to one or more physical layer channels for a given radio access technology (e.g., LTE, LTE-A, LTE-A Pro, NR). Each physical layer channel may carry acquisition signaling (e.g., synchronization signals, system information), control signaling that coordinates operation for the carrier, user data, or other signaling. The wireless communications systemmay support communication with a UEusing carrier aggregation or multi-carrier operation. A UEmay be configured with multiple downlink component carriers and one or more uplink component carriers according to a carrier aggregation configuration. Carrier aggregation may be used with both frequency division duplexing (FDD) and time division duplexing (TDD) component carriers. Communication between a network entityand other devices may refer to communication between the devices and any portion (e.g., entity, sub-entity) of a network entity. For example, the terms “transmitting,” “receiving,” or “communicating,” when referring to a network entity, may refer to any portion of a network entity(e.g., a base station, a CU, a DU, a RU) of a RAN communicating with another device (e.g., directly or via one or more other network entities).

115 115 In some examples, such as in a carrier aggregation configuration, a carrier may also have acquisition signaling or control signaling that coordinates operations for other carriers. A carrier may be associated with a frequency channel (e.g., an evolved universal mobile telecommunication system terrestrial radio access (E-UTRA) absolute RF channel number (EARFCN)) and may be positioned according to a channel raster for discovery by the UEs. A carrier may be operated in a standalone mode, in which case initial acquisition and connection may be conducted by the UEsvia the carrier, or the carrier may be operated in a non-standalone mode, in which case a connection is anchored using a different carrier (e.g., of the same or a different radio access technology).

125 100 105 115 115 105 The communication linksshown in the wireless communications systemmay include downlink transmissions (e.g., forward link transmissions) from a network entityto a UE, uplink transmissions (e.g., return link transmissions) from a UEto a network entity, or both, among other configurations of transmissions. Carriers may carry downlink or uplink communications (e.g., in an FDD mode) or may be configured to carry downlink and uplink communications (e.g., in a TDD mode).

100 100 105 115 100 105 115 115 A carrier may be associated with a particular bandwidth of the RF spectrum and, in some examples, the carrier bandwidth may be referred to as a “system bandwidth” of the carrier or the wireless communications system. For example, the carrier bandwidth may be one of a set of bandwidths for carriers of a particular radio access technology (e.g., 1.4, 3, 5, 10, 15, 20, 40, or 80 megahertz (MHz)). Devices of the wireless communications system(e.g., the network entities, the UEs, or both) may have hardware configurations that support communications over a particular carrier bandwidth or may be configurable to support communications over one of a set of carrier bandwidths. In some examples, the wireless communications systemmay include network entitiesor UEsthat support concurrent communications via carriers associated with multiple carrier bandwidths. In some examples, each served UEmay be configured for operating over portions (e.g., a sub-band, a BWP) or all of a carrier bandwidth.

115 Signal waveforms transmitted over a carrier may be made up of multiple subcarriers (e.g., using multi-carrier modulation (MCM) techniques such as orthogonal frequency division multiplexing (OFDM) or discrete Fourier transform spread OFDM (DFT-S-OFDM)). In a system employing MCM techniques, a resource element may refer to resources of one symbol period (e.g., a duration of one modulation symbol) and one subcarrier, in which case the symbol period and subcarrier spacing may be inversely related. The quantity of bits carried by each resource element may depend on the modulation scheme (e.g., the order of the modulation scheme, the coding rate of the modulation scheme, or both) such that the more resource elements that a device receives and the higher the order of the modulation scheme, the higher the data rate may be for the device. A wireless communications resource may refer to a combination of an RF spectrum resource, a time resource, and a spatial resource (e.g., a spatial layer, a beam), and the use of multiple spatial resources may increase the data rate or data integrity for communications with a UE.

115 115 One or more numerologies for a carrier may be supported, where a numerology may include a subcarrier spacing (Δf) and a cyclic prefix. A carrier may be divided into one or more BWPs having the same or different numerologies. In some examples, a UEmay be configured with multiple BWPs. In some examples, a single BWP for a carrier may be active at a given time and communications for the UEmay be restricted to one or more active BWPs.

105 115 s max f max f The time intervals for the network entitiesor the UEsmay be expressed in multiples of a basic time unit which may, for example, refer to a sampling period of T=1/(Δf·N) seconds, where Δfmay represent the maximum supported subcarrier spacing, and Nmay represent the maximum supported discrete Fourier transform (DFT) size. Time intervals of a communications resource may be organized according to radio frames each having a specified duration (e.g., 10 milliseconds (ms)). Each radio frame may be identified by a system frame number (SFN) (e.g., ranging from 0 to 1023).

100 f Each frame may include multiple consecutively numbered subframes or slots, and each subframe or slot may have the same duration. In some examples, a frame may be divided (e.g., in the time domain) into subframes, and each subframe may be further divided into a quantity of slots. Alternatively, each frame may include a variable quantity of slots, and the quantity of slots may depend on subcarrier spacing. Each slot may include a quantity of symbol periods (e.g., depending on the length of the cyclic prefix prepended to each symbol period). In some wireless communications systems, a slot may further be divided into multiple mini-slots containing one or more symbols. Excluding the cyclic prefix, each symbol period may contain one or more (e.g., N) sampling periods. The duration of a symbol period may depend on the subcarrier spacing or frequency band of operation.

100 100 A subframe, a slot, a mini-slot, or a symbol may be the smallest scheduling unit (e.g., in the time domain) of the wireless communications systemand may be referred to as a transmission time interval (TTI). In some examples, the TTI duration (e.g., a quantity of symbol periods in a TTI) may be variable. Additionally, or alternatively, the smallest scheduling unit of the wireless communications systemmay be dynamically selected (e.g., in bursts of shortened TTIs (sTTIs)).

115 115 115 115 Physical channels may be multiplexed on a carrier according to various techniques. A physical control channel and a physical data channel may be multiplexed on a downlink carrier, for example, using one or more of time division multiplexing (TDM) techniques, frequency division multiplexing (FDM) techniques, or hybrid TDM-FDM techniques. A control region (e.g., a control resource set (CORESET)) for a physical control channel may be defined by a set of symbol periods and may extend across the system bandwidth or a subset of the system bandwidth of the carrier. One or more control regions (e.g., CORESETs) may be configured for a set of the UEs. For example, one or more of the UEsmay monitor or search control regions for control information according to one or more search space sets, and each search space set may include one or multiple control channel candidates in one or more aggregation levels arranged in a cascaded manner. An aggregation level for a control channel candidate may refer to an amount of control channel resources (e.g., control channel elements (CCEs)) associated with encoded information for a control information format having a given payload size. Search space sets may include common search space sets configured for sending control information to multiple UEsand UE-specific search space sets for sending control information to a specific UE.

105 105 110 110 105 110 A network entitymay provide communication coverage via one or more cells, for example a macro cell, a small cell, a hot spot, or other types of cells, or any combination thereof. The term “cell” may refer to a logical communication entity used for communication with a network entity(e.g., over a carrier) and may be associated with an identifier for distinguishing neighboring cells (e.g., a physical cell identifier (PCID), a virtual cell identifier (VCID), or others). In some examples, a cell may also refer to a coverage areaor a portion of a coverage area(e.g., a sector) over which the logical communication entity operates. Such cells may range from smaller areas (e.g., a structure, a subset of structure) to larger areas depending on various factors such as the capabilities of the network entity. For example, a cell may be or include a building, a subset of a building, or exterior spaces between or overlapping with coverage areas, among other examples.

115 105 140 115 115 115 115 105 A macro cell generally covers a relatively large geographic area (e.g., several kilometers in radius) and may allow unrestricted access by the UEswith service subscriptions with the network provider supporting the macro cell. A small cell may be associated with a lower-powered network entity(e.g., a lower-powered base station), as compared with a macro cell, and a small cell may operate in the same or different (e.g., licensed, unlicensed) frequency bands as macro cells. Small cells may provide unrestricted access to the UEswith service subscriptions with the network provider or may provide restricted access to the UEshaving an association with the small cell (e.g., the UEsin a closed subscriber group (CSG), the UEsassociated with users in a home or office). A network entitymay support one or multiple cells and may also support communications over the one or more cells using one or multiple component carriers.

In some examples, a carrier may support multiple cells, and different cells may be configured according to different protocol types (e.g., MTC, narrowband IoT (NB-IoT), enhanced mobile broadband (eMBB)) that may provide access for different types of devices.

105 140 170 110 110 110 105 110 105 100 105 110 In some examples, a network entity(e.g., a base station, an RU) may be movable and therefore provide communication coverage for a moving coverage area. In some examples, different coverage areasassociated with different technologies may overlap, but the different coverage areasmay be supported by the same network entity. In some other examples, the overlapping coverage areasassociated with different technologies may be supported by different network entities. The wireless communications systemmay include, for example, a heterogeneous network in which different types of the network entitiesprovide coverage for various coverage areasusing the same or different radio access technologies.

100 105 140 105 105 105 The wireless communications systemmay support synchronous or asynchronous operation. For synchronous operation, network entities(e.g., base stations) may have similar frame timings, and transmissions from different network entitiesmay be approximately aligned in time. For asynchronous operation, network entitiesmay have different frame timings, and transmissions from different network entitiesmay, in some examples, not be aligned in time. The techniques described herein may be used for either synchronous or asynchronous operations.

115 105 140 115 Some UEs, such as MTC or IoT devices, may be low cost or low complexity devices and may provide for automated communication between machines (e.g., via Machine-to-Machine (M2M) communication). M2M communication or MTC may refer to data communication technologies that allow devices to communicate with one another or a network entity(e.g., a base station) without human intervention. In some examples, M2M communication or MTC may include communications from devices that integrate sensors or meters to measure or capture information and relay such information to a central server or application program that makes use of the information or presents the information to humans interacting with the application program. Some UEsmay be designed to collect information or enable automated behavior of machines or other devices. Examples of applications for MTC devices include smart metering, inventory monitoring, water level monitoring, equipment monitoring, healthcare monitoring, wildlife monitoring, weather and geological event monitoring, fleet management and tracking, remote security sensing, physical access control, and transaction-based business charging.

115 115 115 Some UEsmay be configured to employ operating modes that reduce power consumption, such as half-duplex communications (e.g., a mode that supports one-way communication via transmission or reception, but not transmission and reception concurrently). In some examples, half-duplex communications may be performed at a reduced peak rate. Other power conservation techniques for the UEsinclude entering a power saving deep sleep mode when not engaging in active communications, operating over a limited bandwidth (e.g., according to narrowband communications), or a combination of these techniques. For example, some UEsmay be configured for operation using a narrowband protocol type that is associated with a defined portion or range (e.g., set of subcarriers or resource blocks (RBs)) within a carrier, within a guard-band of a carrier, or outside of a carrier.

100 100 115 The wireless communications systemmay be configured to support ultra-reliable communications or low-latency communications, or various combinations thereof. For example, the wireless communications systemmay be configured to support ultra-reliable low-latency communications (URLLC). The UEsmay be designed to support ultra-reliable, low-latency, or critical functions. Ultra-reliable communications may include private communication or group communication and may be supported by one or more services such as push-to-talk, video, or data. Support for ultra-reliable, low-latency functions may include prioritization of services, and such services may be used for public safety or general commercial applications. The terms ultra-reliable, low-latency, and ultra-reliable low-latency may be used interchangeably herein.

115 115 135 115 110 105 140 170 105 115 110 105 105 115 115 115 105 115 105 In some examples, a UEmay be able to communicate directly with other UEsover a device-to-device (D2D) communication link(e.g., in accordance with a peer-to-peer (P2P), D2D, or sidelink protocol). In some examples, one or more UEsof a group that are performing D2D communications may be within the coverage areaof a network entity(e.g., a base station, an RU), which may support aspects of such D2D communications being configured by or scheduled by the network entity. In some examples, one or more UEsin such a group may be outside the coverage areaof a network entityor may be otherwise unable to or not configured to receive transmissions from a network entity. In some examples, groups of the UEscommunicating via D2D communications may support a one-to-many (1:M) system in which each UEtransmits to each of the other UEsin the group. In some examples, a network entitymay facilitate the scheduling of resources for D2D communications. In some other examples, D2D communications may be carried out between the UEswithout the involvement of a network entity.

135 115 105 140 170 In some systems, a D2D communication linkmay be an example of a communication channel, such as a sidelink communication channel, between vehicles (e.g., UEs). In some examples, vehicles may communicate using vehicle-to-everything (V2X) communications, vehicle-to-vehicle (V2V) communications, or some combination of these. A vehicle may signal information related to traffic conditions, signal scheduling, weather, safety, emergencies, or any other information relevant to a V2X system. In some examples, vehicles in a V2X system may communicate with roadside infrastructure, such as roadside units, or with the network via one or more network nodes (e.g., network entities, base stations, RUs) using vehicle-to-network (V2N) communications, or with both.

130 130 115 105 140 130 150 150 The core networkmay provide user authentication, access authorization, tracking, Internet Protocol (IP) connectivity, and other access, routing, or mobility functions. The core networkmay be an evolved packet core (EPC) or 5G core (5GC), which may include at least one control plane entity that manages access and mobility (e.g., a mobility management entity (MME), an access and mobility management function (AMF)) and at least one user plane entity that routes packets or interconnects to external networks (e.g., a serving gateway (S-GW), a Packet Data Network (PDN) gateway (P-GW), or a user plane function (UPF)). The control plane entity may manage non-access stratum (NAS) functions such as mobility, authentication, and bearer management for the UEsserved by the network entities(e.g., base stations) associated with the core network. User IP packets may be transferred through the user plane entity, which may provide IP address allocation as well as other functions. The user plane entity may be connected to IP servicesfor one or more network operators. The IP servicesmay include access to the Internet, Intranet(s), an IP Multimedia Subsystem (IMS), or a Packet-Switched Streaming Service.

100 115 The wireless communications systemmay operate using one or more frequency bands, which may be in the range of 300 megahertz (MHz) to 300 gigahertz (GHz). Generally, the region from 300 MHz to 3 GHz is known as the ultra-high frequency (UHF) region or decimeter band because the wavelengths range from approximately one decimeter to one meter in length. The UHF waves may be blocked or redirected by buildings and environmental features, which may be referred to as clusters, but the waves may penetrate structures sufficiently for a macro cell to provide service to the UEslocated indoors. The transmission of UHF waves may be associated with smaller antennas and shorter ranges (e.g., less than 100 kilometers) compared to transmission using the smaller frequencies and longer waves of the high frequency (HF) or very high frequency (VHF) portion of the spectrum below 300 MHz.

100 100 115 105 140 170 The wireless communications systemmay also operate in a super high frequency (SHF) region using frequency bands from 3 GHz to 30 GHz, also known as the centimeter band, or in an extremely high frequency (EHF) region of the spectrum (e.g., from 30 GHz to 300 GHz), also known as the millimeter band. In some examples, the wireless communications systemmay support millimeter wave (mmW) communications between the UEsand the network entities(e.g., base stations, RUs), and EHF antennas of the respective devices may be smaller and more closely spaced than UHF antennas. In some examples, this may facilitate use of antenna arrays within a device. The propagation of EHF transmissions, however, may be subject to even greater atmospheric attenuation and shorter range than SHF or UHF transmissions. The techniques disclosed herein may be employed across transmissions that use one or more different frequency regions, and designated use of bands across these frequency regions may differ by country or regulating body.

100 100 105 115 The wireless communications systemmay utilize both licensed and unlicensed RF spectrum bands. For example, the wireless communications systemmay employ License Assisted Access (LAA), LTE-Unlicensed (LTE-U) radio access technology, or NR technology in an unlicensed band such as the 5 GHz industrial, scientific, and medical (ISM) band. While operating in unlicensed RF spectrum bands, devices such as the network entitiesand the UEsmay employ carrier sensing for collision detection and avoidance. In some examples, operations in unlicensed bands may be based on a carrier aggregation configuration in conjunction with component carriers operating in a licensed band (e.g., LAA). Operations in unlicensed spectrum may include downlink transmissions, uplink transmissions, P2P transmissions, or D2D transmissions, among other examples.

105 140 170 115 105 115 105 105 105 115 115 A network entity(e.g., a base station, an RU) or a UEmay be equipped with multiple antennas, which may be used to employ techniques such as transmit diversity, receive diversity, multiple-input multiple-output (MIMO) communications, or beamforming. The antennas of a network entityor a UEmay be located within one or more antenna arrays or antenna panels, which may support MIMO operations or transmit or receive beamforming. For example, one or more base station antennas or antenna arrays may be co-located at an antenna assembly, such as an antenna tower. In some examples, antennas or antenna arrays associated with a network entitymay be located in diverse geographic locations. A network entitymay have an antenna array with a set of rows and columns of antenna ports that the network entitymay use to support beamforming of communications with a UE. Likewise, a UEmay have one or more antenna arrays that may support various MIMO or beamforming operations. Additionally, or alternatively, an antenna panel may support RF beamforming for a signal transmitted via an antenna port.

105 115 The network entitiesor the UEsmay use MIMO communications to exploit multipath signal propagation and increase the spectral efficiency by transmitting or receiving multiple signals via different spatial layers. Such techniques may be referred to as spatial multiplexing. The multiple signals may, for example, be transmitted by the transmitting device via different antennas or different combinations of antennas. Likewise, the multiple signals may be received by the receiving device via different antennas or different combinations of antennas. Each of the multiple signals may be referred to as a separate spatial stream and may carry information associated with the same data stream (e.g., the same codeword) or different data streams (e.g., different codewords). Different spatial layers may be associated with different antenna ports used for channel measurement and reporting. MIMO techniques include single-user MIMO (SU-MIMO), where multiple spatial layers are transmitted to the same receiving device, and multiple-user MIMO (MU-MIMO), where multiple spatial layers are transmitted to multiple devices.

105 115 Beamforming, which may also be referred to as spatial filtering, directional transmission, or directional reception, is a signal processing technique that may be used at a transmitting device or a receiving device (e.g., a network entity, a UE) to shape or steer an antenna beam (e.g., a transmit beam, a receive beam) along a spatial path between the transmitting device and the receiving device. Beamforming may be achieved by combining the signals communicated via antenna elements of an antenna array such that some signals propagating at particular orientations with respect to an antenna array experience constructive interference while others experience destructive interference. The adjustment of signals communicated via the antenna elements may include a transmitting device or a receiving device applying amplitude offsets, phase offsets, or both to signals carried via the antenna elements associated with the device. The adjustments associated with each of the antenna elements may be defined by a beamforming weight set associated with a particular orientation (e.g., with respect to the antenna array of the transmitting device or receiving device, or with respect to some other orientation).

105 115 105 140 170 115 105 105 105 115 105 A network entityor a UEmay use beam sweeping techniques as part of beamforming operations. For example, a network entity(e.g., a base station, an RU) may use multiple antennas or antenna arrays (e.g., antenna panels) to conduct beamforming operations for directional communications with a UE. Some signals (e.g., synchronization signals, reference signals, beam selection signals, or other control signals) may be transmitted by a network entitymultiple times along different directions. For example, the network entitymay transmit a signal according to different beamforming weight sets associated with different directions of transmission. Transmissions along different beam directions may be used to identify (e.g., by a transmitting device, such as a network entity, or by a receiving device, such as a UE) a beam direction for later transmission or reception by the network entity.

105 115 105 115 115 105 105 115 Some signals, such as data signals associated with a particular receiving device, may be transmitted by transmitting device (e.g., a transmitting network entity, a transmitting UE) along a single beam direction (e.g., a direction associated with the receiving device, such as a receiving network entityor a receiving UE). In some examples, the beam direction associated with transmissions along a single beam direction may be determined based on a signal that was transmitted along one or more beam directions. For example, a UEmay receive one or more of the signals transmitted by the network entityalong different directions and may report to the network entityan indication of the signal that the UEreceived with a highest signal quality or an otherwise acceptable signal quality.

105 115 105 115 115 105 115 105 140 170 115 115 In some examples, transmissions by a device (e.g., by a network entityor a UE) may be performed using multiple beam directions, and the device may use a combination of digital precoding or beamforming to generate a combined beam for transmission (e.g., from a network entityto a UE). The UEmay report feedback that indicates precoding weights for one or more beam directions, and the feedback may correspond to a configured set of beams across a system bandwidth or one or more sub-bands. The network entitymay transmit a reference signal (e.g., a cell-specific reference signal (CRS), a channel state information reference signal (CSI-RS)), which may be precoded or unprecoded. The UEmay provide feedback for beam selection, which may be a precoding matrix indicator (PMI) or codebook-based feedback (e.g., a multi-panel type codebook, a linear combination type codebook, a port selection type codebook). Although these techniques are described with reference to signals transmitted along one or more directions by a network entity(e.g., a base station, an RU), a UEmay employ similar techniques for transmitting signals multiple times along different directions (e.g., for identifying a beam direction for subsequent transmission or reception by the UE) or for transmitting a signal along a single direction (e.g., for transmitting data to a receiving device).

115 105 A receiving device (e.g., a UE) may perform reception operations in accordance with multiple receive configurations (e.g., directional listening) when receiving various signals from a receiving device (e.g., a network entity), such as synchronization signals, reference signals, beam selection signals, or other control signals. For example, a receiving device may perform reception in accordance with multiple receive directions by receiving via different antenna subarrays, by processing received signals according to different antenna subarrays, by receiving according to different receive beamforming weight sets (e.g., different directional listening weight sets) applied to signals received at multiple antenna elements of an antenna array, or by processing received signals according to different receive beamforming weight sets applied to signals received at multiple antenna elements of an antenna array, any of which may be referred to as “listening” according to different receive configurations or receive directions. In some examples, a receiving device may use a single receive configuration to receive along a single beam direction (e.g., when receiving a data signal). The single receive configuration may be aligned along a beam direction determined based on listening according to different receive configuration directions (e.g., a beam direction determined to have a highest signal strength, highest signal-to-noise ratio (SNR), or otherwise acceptable signal quality based on listening according to multiple beam directions).

100 115 105 130 The wireless communications systemmay be a packet-based network that operates according to a layered protocol stack. In the user plane, communications at the bearer or PDCP layer may be IP-based. An RLC layer may perform packet segmentation and reassembly to communicate over logical channels. A MAC layer may perform priority handling and multiplexing of logical channels into transport channels. The MAC layer may also use error detection techniques, error correction techniques, or both to support retransmissions at the MAC layer to improve link efficiency. In the control plane, the RRC protocol layer may provide establishment, configuration, and maintenance of an RRC connection between a UEand a network entityor a core networksupporting radio bearers for user plane data. At the PHY layer, transport channels may be mapped to physical channels.

115 105 125 135 The UEsand the network entitiesmay support retransmissions of data to increase the likelihood that data is received successfully. Hybrid automatic repeat request (HARM) feedback is one technique for increasing the likelihood that data is received correctly over a communication link (e.g., a communication link, a D2D communication link). HARQ may include a combination of error detection (e.g., using a cyclic redundancy check (CRC)), forward error correction (FEC), and retransmission (e.g., automatic repeat request (ARQ)). HARQ may improve throughput at the MAC layer in poor radio conditions (e.g., low signal-to-noise conditions). In some examples, a device may support same-slot HARQ feedback, where the device may provide HARQ feedback in a specific slot for data received in a previous symbol in the slot. In some other examples, the device may provide HARQ feedback in a subsequent slot, or according to some other time interval.

115 105 115 115 105 115 115 115 115 115 A UEas described herein may transmit a capability message to a network entity. The capability message may indicate that the UEsupports operation in an enhanced uplink carrier aggregation mode for transmission of a first uplink message on a first component carrier overlapping in time with transmission of a second uplink message on a second component carrier. The transmission of the second uplink message on the second component carrier may result in one or more interruption time gaps in the uplink transmissions on the first component carrier. The UEmay, in some examples, receive a control message from the network entityin response to the capability message. The control message may indicate a configuration for the UEto operate in the enhanced uplink carrier aggregation mode. The UEmay transmit the first uplink message over the first component carrier and the second uplink message over the second component carrier in accordance with the enhanced uplink carrier aggregation mode. In some examples, the UEmay transmit the second uplink message after at least one of the one or more interruption time gaps on the first component carrier. The UEmay thereby support uplink carrier aggregation for transmission of the first and second uplink messages while reducing power consumption by the UE.

2 FIG. 1 FIG. 200 200 100 200 105 115 110 105 115 105 115 115 105 210 105 115 215 105 115 230 205 205 205 a a a a a a a a a a a b illustrates an example of a wireless communications systemthat supports carrier switching with uplink carrier aggregation capability in accordance with aspects of the present disclosure. The wireless communications systemmay implement some aspects of the wireless communications system. For example, the wireless communications systemmay support communications between a network entity-and a UE-within a geographic coverage area. The network entity-and the UE-may be examples of a network entityand a UEas described with reference to. The UE-may transmit uplink messages to the network entity-over an uplink communication link, and the network entity-may transmit downlink messages to the UE-over a downlink communication link. The network entity-, the UE-, or both may additionally or alternatively transmit or receive the communicationsover one or more component carriers(e.g., the component carriers-and-).

210 205 205 215 205 205 a b a b The uplink communication link, the component carrier-, the component carrier-, or any combination thereof, may include one or more resources for a physical uplink channel such as a physical uplink control channel (PUCCH), a physical uplink shared channel (PUSCH), a physical random access channel (PRACH), or some other physical uplink channel. The downlink communication link, the component carrier-, the component carrier-, or any combination thereof, may include one or more resources for a physical downlink channel such as a physical downlink control channel (PDCCH), a physical downlink shared channel (PDSCH), a PRACH, a physical broadcast channel (PBCH), or some other physical downlink channel.

205 205 105 115 230 230 205 205 a a a b. In some cases, a component carriermay be configured to support one of uplink communications or downlink communications. Additionally or alternatively, a component carriermay include resources to support both uplink and downlink communications (e.g., a TDD mode). For example, the network entity-and the UE-may transmit and receive the communications(e.g., uplink and downlink communications) on each of the component carriers-and-

115 115 105 205 115 205 205 105 205 115 115 205 115 115 205 a a a a a a b a b a a a a The UE-may support component carrier switching for uplink transmission. For example, the UE-may transmit first uplink messages (e.g., PUCCH transmissions, PUSCH transmissions, PRACH transmissions, or some other uplink message) to the network entity-on the first component carrier-, and the UE-may retune a transmit chain from the first component carrier-to a second component carrier-to transmit one or more second uplink messages to the network entity-on the second component carrier-. The UE-may support uplink carrier switching if the UE-is configured with more downlink chains than uplink chains on a component carrier(e.g., for reciprocity in TDD bands). That is, in some examples, the UE-may perform uplink carrier switching (e.g., SRS carrier switching, or other uplink carrier switching) if the UE-is not configured with sufficient uplink carrier aggregation capability for simultaneous uplink transmissions on two or more component carriers.

115 220 105 210 115 205 205 115 105 225 215 115 a a a a b a a a The UE-may transmit a UE capability messageto the network entity-via the uplink communication linkto indicate whether the UE-is capable of performing uplink carrier switching on the first and second component carriers-and-. If the UE-indicates a capability to perform uplink carrier switching, the network entity-may transmit the control messagevia the downlink communication linkto indicate a configuration for the UE-to perform uplink carrier switching for one or more scheduled uplink transmissions.

115 105 200 115 105 205 205 105 115 205 205 205 115 205 205 105 115 205 115 205 105 105 205 105 115 205 a a a a a b a a a b b a a b a a b a a a b a a b 3 4 FIGS.and In some cases, the UE-and the network entity-may implement component carrier switching to communicate SRSs, which may be referred to as SRS carrier switching. In the example of the wireless communications system, the UE-and the network entity-may communicate over a first component carrier-configured with more uplink chains than a second component carrier-. To transmit an SRS to the network entity-, the UE-may retune from the first component carrier-to the second component carrier-and may transmit the SRS on the second component carrier-in accordance with the uplink carrier switching configuration. The UE-may thereby switch an uplink transmit chain corresponding to the uplink subframes on the first component carrier-to the second component carrier-. The network entity-may measure the SRS transmitted by the UE-to obtain CSI associated with the second component carrier-(e.g., due to the TDD reciprocity). That is, the UE-may temporarily switch component carriersto transmit the SRS to the network entity-, and the network entity-may perform channel estimation based on the SRS to obtain CSI associated with the component carrier-. The network entity-may schedule subsequent downlink transmissions to the UE-via the second component carrier-based on the SRS. Additional details of the SRS carrier switching may be described in further detail elsewhere herein, including with reference to.

115 220 115 205 205 115 205 205 115 205 205 115 205 205 115 105 105 115 105 225 115 220 105 115 220 115 a a a b a a b a a b a a b a a a a a a a a a. In some examples, the UE-may signal, via the UE capability message, that the UE-supports uplink carrier aggregation on the first component carrier-and the second component carrier-(e.g., a given band combination) and that the UE-supports uplink carrier switching for the same combination of the first component carrier-and the second component carrier-. If the UE-supports uplink carrier aggregation on the first component carrier-and the second component carrier-, the UE-may support simultaneous transmission of uplink messages on both of the component carriers-and-, and the UE-may not benefit from uplink carrier switching. Accordingly, the network entity-may receive the indication of the combined UE capabilities, and the network entity-may determine whether to configure the UE-to operate in the uplink carrier switching mode or the uplink carrier aggregation mode. In some cases, however, signaling for determining which mode to pick may be unclear. In one example, the network entity-may configure, via the control message, the uplink carrier switching and disable the uplink carrier aggregation at the UE-in response to the UE capability message. In another example, the network entity-may configure the uplink carrier aggregation and disable the uplink carrier switching at the UE-in response to the UE capability message. However, in some cases, uplink carrier aggregation may result in relatively large power consumption by the UE-

115 220 115 115 205 205 205 115 115 105 a a a a b a a a a. As described herein, the UE-may indicate, via the capability message, whether the UE-supports operation in an enhanced uplink carrier aggregation mode. The enhanced uplink carrier aggregation mode may correspond to transmission, by the UE-, of a first uplink message on the first component carrier-overlapping in time with transmission of a second uplink message on the second component carrier-. Messages transmitted via resources that at least partially overlap in time may, in some examples, be referred to as overlapping, concurrent, simultaneous, or partially simultaneous transmissions. The transmission of the second uplink message in accordance with the enhanced uplink carrier aggregation mode may result in one or more interruption time gaps on the first component carrier-(e.g., before or after the overlapping transmission of the first and second uplink messages). By signaling support of the enhanced uplink carrier aggregation mode, the UE-may reduce latency and processing associated with performing uplink transmissions by the UE-and scheduling the uplink transmissions by the network entity-

105 115 220 115 105 225 115 115 220 115 220 115 105 115 115 115 115 105 115 a a a a a a a a a a a a a a a In some examples, the network entity-may determine whether to configure the UE-to operate in a carrier switching mode, a simultaneous transmission mode, the enhanced uplink carrier aggregation mode, or any combination thereof, based on the UE capability message. If the UE-signals support of both uplink carrier aggregation and uplink carrier switching (e.g., SRS carrier switching), the network entity-may indicate, via the control message, a configuration for the UE-to perform overlapping uplink transmissions while operating in the enhanced uplink carrier aggregation mode. In some cases, the UE-may indicate, via the UE capability message, whether the UE-supports SRS carrier switching in connection with overlapping transmission (e.g., an additional UE capability may be signaled via the UE capability message). If the UE-signals support for the SRS carrier switching in connection with overlapping transmission capability, the network entity-may configure the UE-to operate in the enhanced uplink carrier aggregation mode. If the UE-does not signal support for the enhanced uplink carrier aggregation mode (e.g., if the UE-supports uplink carrier switching but not uplink carrier aggregation, or if the UE-does not support the uplink carrier switching in connection with overlapping transmission capability), the network entity-may configure the UE-to operate in an uplink switching mode (e.g., without simultaneous or concurrent transmissions).

115 105 115 105 205 a a a a In some examples, the UE-may signal support for the enhanced uplink carrier aggregation mode on a per component carrier basis. The network entity-may indicate, on a per component carrier basis, whether the UE-is to operate in the enhanced uplink carrier aggregation mode. For example, the network entity-may transmit a configuration bit per component carrierto indicate a configuration for the enhanced uplink carrier aggregation mode.

115 205 205 115 205 115 115 205 205 115 205 115 205 115 205 205 105 115 a a b a a a b a a a b a a a In some examples, the UE-may indicate, for one or both of the first component carrier-or the second component carrier-, whether the UEis capable of transitioning a transmit chain associated with the respective component carrierbetween a dormant mode and an active mode. If the UE-supports uplink carrier aggregation, the UE-may maintain a first transmit chain associated with the first component carrier-and a second transmit chain associated with the second component carrier-. The UE-may signal, per component carrier, whether the UE-supports a dormant transmit chain for the respective component carrier. If the UE-supports a dormant transmit chain for the component carrier-or the component carrier-, the network entity-may configure the UE-to operate in the enhanced uplink carrier aggregation mode.

115 225 115 115 115 205 115 220 105 220 115 105 225 115 a a a a a a a a a. In some other examples, the UE-may autonomously switch to operations in the enhanced uplink carrier aggregation mode (e.g., with or without receiving the control message). If the UE-indicates a capability to support the enhanced uplink carrier aggregation mode, the UE-may switch to operating the enhanced uplink carrier aggregation mode on the indicated component carrier or band. For example, If the UE-supports both uplink carrier aggregation and uplink carrier switching (e.g., SRS carrier switching), SRS carrier switching in connection with overlapping transmission capability, a dormant transmit chain on a respective component carrier, or any combination thereof, the UE-may indicate such support via the capability messageand autonomously switch to operating in the enhanced uplink carrier aggregation mode on the respective carrier or band. The network entity-may determine, based on the UE capability message, that the UE-will switch to operating in the enhanced uplink carrier aggregation mode. The network entity-may or may not transmit the control messageto indicate the configuration for the UE-

115 205 205 115 115 205 115 205 205 115 115 205 a b b a a a a a b a a a While operating in the enhanced uplink carrier aggregation mode, the UE-may operate a dormant transmit chain, such as a second transmit chain associated with the second component carrier-, in a dormant mode prior to a scheduled transmission of an uplink message over the second component carrier-. The UE-may activate the second transmit chain during an interruption time gap. The interruption time gap may interrupt uplink transmissions by the UE-on the first component carrier-. The UE-may operate, in accordance with the enhanced uplink carrier aggregation mode, the second transmit chain in the active mode while transmitting a first uplink message over the first component carrier-and a second uplink message (e.g., the scheduled uplink message) over the second component carrier-simultaneously or via resources that at least partially overlap in time in accordance with the enhanced uplink carrier aggregation mode. The UE-may transition the second transmit chain from the active mode to the dormant mode during a second interruption time gap after transmitting the second uplink message. The UE-may maintain the first transmit chain associated with the first component carrier-in an active state while transitioning the second transmit chain to and from the active state.

115 205 205 115 115 115 115 a a b a a a a 6 7 FIGS.and Accordingly, the enhanced uplink carrier aggregation mode may provide for the UE-to support uplink carrier aggregation for simultaneous or at least partially overlapping transmission of two or more uplink messages on the component carriers-and-while utilizing an uplink carrier switching framework to consume less power than if the UE-operates in an uplink carrier aggregation mode without the enhancements for transmit chain deactivation. For example, if the UE-maintains both the first and second transmit chains in the active state continuously, the UE-may consume a relatively large amount of power, which may reduce a battery life of the UE-. The enhanced uplink carrier aggregation mode is described in further detail elsewhere herein, including with reference to.

3 FIG. 1 2 FIGS.and 1 2 FIGS.and 2 FIG. 300 300 100 200 300 305 305 115 105 115 105 305 205 300 115 a b illustrates an example of a component carrier configurationthat supports carrier switching with uplink carrier aggregation capability in accordance with aspects of the present disclosure. The component carrier configurationmay implement aspects of the wireless communications systemsand, as described with reference to. For example, the component carrier configurationmay illustrate a configuration of a first component carrier-(e.g., CC1) and a second component carrier-(e.g., CC2) for uplink communications, downlink communications, or both between a UEand a network entity. The UEand the network entitymay represent examples of corresponding devices as described with reference to. The component carriersmay represent examples of the component carriersas described with reference to. In the example of the component carrier configuration, the UEmay support SRS carrier switching.

115 305 305 305 305 305 305 320 315 325 300 305 305 305 305 a a b b a b The UEmay support communications via the first component carrier-(e.g., a primary component carrier-), the second component carrier-(e.g., a secondary component carrier-), one or more other component carriers(not pictured), or any combination thereof. The component carriersmay include one or more subframes in a time domain and one or more subchannels (not pictured) in a frequency domain. The subframes may include time and frequency resources allocated for uplink communications (e.g., the active uplink subframes), time and frequency resources allocated for downlink communications (e.g., the downlink subframes), time and frequency resources allocated for control signaling or other communications (e.g., the special subframes), or any combination thereof. In the example of the component carrier configuration, the first and second component carriers-and-may be configured to support uplink communications, downlink communications, or both. In some examples, such component carriers, frequency bands within such component carriers, or both may be referred to as TDD bands.

115 305 305 115 305 305 115 305 305 315 305 305 115 320 305 115 305 115 305 305 a b a b a b a a b a b The UEmay be configured with downlink carrier aggregation over both the first component carrier-and the second component carrier-. That is, the UEmay receive downlink transmissions via both of the component carriers-and-. The UEmay support a first downlink chain associated with the first component carrier-and a second downlink chain associated with the second component carrier-(e.g., associated with contiguous or non-contiguous downlink subframeswithin a respective component carrier). The first component carrier-may be configured to support uplink communications. As such, the UEmay support a first uplink chain corresponding to the active uplink subframeswithin the first component carrier-, but the UEmay not support a second uplink chain associated with the second component carrier-(e.g., the UEmay not include sufficient hardware to support simultaneous uplink chains corresponding to the first and second component carriers-and-).

115 115 115 305 305 115 115 305 105 310 305 305 a b b b. If the UEis configured with more downlink chains than uplink chains, the UEmay be configured to perform carrier switching for uplink transmissions. That is, the UEmay be configured to switch one or more of the uplink chains among the first and second component carriers-and-. In some examples, the UEmay perform carrier switching for SRS transmission. By performing SRS carrier switching, the UEmay support reciprocity in the TDD component carriers(e.g., TDD bands). For example, the network entitymay utilize an SRSreceived via the second component carrier-to schedule subsequent downlink transmissions via the second component carrier-

300 115 310 305 305 115 310 320 305 115 305 310 330 305 115 305 305 310 115 320 305 310 115 305 305 310 305 115 305 310 320 305 115 310 310 305 a b a a b b a b b a b a b b b a c a d 4 FIG. In the example of the component carrier configuration, the UEmay switch transmission of the SRSsbetween the first component carrier-and the second component carrier-. The UEmay transmit the SRS-via one or more resources within the active uplink subframesof the first component carrier-(e.g., subframe 2, subframe 3, or both). The UEmay subsequently switch component carriersand transmit the SRS-via one or more resources within the inactive uplink subframesof the second component carrier-(e.g., subframe 7, subframe 8, or both). The UEmay switch the uplink chain from the first component carrier-to the second component carrier-to perform the transmission of the SRS-. In some examples, the UEmay puncture PUSCH resources within the active uplink subframesof the first component carrier-to perform the transmission of the SRS-. Additionally or alternatively, the UEmay drop one or more channels in the first component carrier-, the second component carrier-, or both, to perform the transmission of the SRS-via the second component carrier-. The UEmay subsequently switch back to the first component carrier-and transmit the SRS-via one or more resources in the active uplink subframesof the first component carrier-(e.g., subframe 2, subframe 3, or both). The UEmay repeat such carrier switching to transmit the SRS-and one or more other SRSs. Such switching between component carriersmay be described in further detail elsewhere herein, including with reference to.

115 305 305 115 305 305 305 320 305 305 305 115 115 a b a b b a b In some examples, the UEmay be configured to support uplink carrier aggregation between the first component carrier-and the second component carrier-. That is, the UEmay support transmission (e.g., two or more uplink chains) on the first component carrier-and the second component carrier-at the same time, or in at least partially overlapping time domain resources. In such cases, the second component carrier-may include one or more active uplink subframes. To support the uplink transmissions on both component carriers, a first uplink transmit chain associated with the first component carrier-and a second uplink transmit chain associated with the second component carrier-may remain on (e.g., in an active state) such that the UEmay be prepared to transmit using either transmit chain after receiving a grant. However, the two or more transmit chains in the active state may result in relatively high power consumption at the UE.

115 2 FIG. 6 7 FIGS.and To reduce power consumption while maintaining efficient communications, the UEmay be configured to operate in an enhanced uplink carrier aggregation mode to perform SRS transmission, or other uplink transmissions, as described with reference to. The enhanced uplink carrier aggregation mode is described in further detail elsewhere herein, including with reference to.

4 FIG. 1 2 FIGS.and 3 FIG. 1 3 FIGS.- 400 400 100 200 300 400 115 105 405 405 115 105 400 115 405 405 a b a b. illustrates an example of a component carrier switching timelinethat supports carrier switching with uplink carrier aggregation capability in accordance with aspects of the present disclosure. The component carrier switching timelinemay implement aspects of the wireless communications systemsand, as described with reference toand the component carrier configuration, as described with reference to. For example, the component carrier switching timelinemay illustrate a timeline for a UEto transmit uplink data to a network entityvia a first component carrier-, a second component carrier-, or both. The UEand the network entitymay represent examples of corresponding devices as described with reference to. In the example of the component carrier switching timeline, the UEmay be configured to support SRS carrier switching between the first component carrier-and the second component carrier-

115 105 405 405 405 405 305 305 405 405 400 405 405 410 410 415 410 410 410 415 425 430 435 a b a b a b a b a b a b a b 3 FIG. 4 FIG. The UEmay be configured to communicate with the network entityvia the first component carrier-(e.g., CC1) and the second component carrier-(e.g., CC2). The first component carrier-and the second component carrier-may represent examples of the component carriers-and-, as described with reference to. In some examples, the first component carrier-, the second component carrier-, or both may support uplink and downlink communications (e.g., in a TDD mode). The component carrier switching timelineillustrates resource allocations for the first and second component carriers-and-within slot-(e.g., slot N), slot-(e.g., slot N+1), and one or more symbolswithin the slots-and-. The time and frequency resources within the slots, the symbols, and subchannels (not pictured in) may be allocated as the PUSCH resources, the gap resources, the SRS resources, or any combination thereof.

115 105 405 440 440 425 410 410 405 105 115 420 405 410 415 410 a a b a b b b a 4 FIG. 3 FIG. The UEmay be configured to transmit uplink data to the network entityvia the first component carrier-for the durations-and-(e.g., via the resources allocated as the PUSCH resourceswithin symbols 0 through 11 of the slot-and symbols 1 through 13 of the slot-). Although not pictured in, it is understood that one or more resources on the second component carrier-may be allocated for reception of downlink messages from the network entity, for transmission of uplink messages, or both, as illustrated in. The UEmay be scheduled to transmit an SRSon the second component carrier-during symbol 13 of the slot-(e.g., or some other symbolor slot).

400 115 405 405 115 405 115 115 105 115 115 115 115 405 405 405 115 115 105 105 115 420 115 a b a b 2 FIG. In the example of the component carrier switching timeline, the UEmay not support uplink carrier aggregation on the first and second component carriers-and-. For example, the UEmay not be configured with sufficient uplink carrier aggregation capability to perform simultaneous transmission on both of the component carriers. The UEmay transmit an indication of the capability of the UEto a network entity. For example, the UEmay indicate that the UEdoes not support operations in the enhanced uplink carrier aggregation mode, as described with reference to. In some examples, the UEmay signal that the UEsupports SRS carrier switching between the first component carrier-and the second component carrier-but does not support uplink carrier aggregation in the same combination of component carriers. Additionally or alternatively, the UEmay signal that the UEdoes not support SRS carrier switching and simultaneous transmission (e.g., an additional UE capability). The network entitymay receive the indication of the UE capability, and the network entitymay configure the UEto perform carrier switching for transmission of the SRS(e.g., no simultaneous transmission may be configured for the UE).

115 405 405 420 405 115 425 405 405 115 405 405 a b b a b a b The UEmay switch an uplink chain associated with the first component carrier-to the second component carrier-for transmission of the SRSon the second component carrier-in accordance with the SRS carrier switching configuration. In some examples, the UEmay puncture the PUSCH resourceson the first component carrier-to perform the SRS transmission on the second component carrier-. In some examples, the UEmay be configured with a set of rules for dropping channels in the first component carrier-, the second component carrier-, or both, to perform carrier switching.

115 405 405 115 405 430 410 405 115 115 420 405 405 115 405 420 405 410 405 115 405 115 405 430 410 115 430 410 405 a b a a a b b a b a a a a b a a To perform the carrier switching, the UEmay retune from the first component carrier-to the second component carrier-. The retuning may interrupt the uplink transmissions by the UEon the first component carrier-. For example, the gap resourcesmay be allocated within symbol 12 of the slot-on the first component carrier-to provide time for the UEto perform the retuning. The UEmay transmit the SRSon the second component carrier-after retuning to the second component carrier-. The UEmay not transmit uplink messages on the first component carrier-while transmitting the SRSon the second component carrier-(e.g., the resources in symbol 13 of slot-on the first component carrier-may be empty resources). The UEmay subsequently retune back to the first component carrier-, which may provide a second interruption to the uplink transmissions by the UEon the first component carrier-. The gap resourcesmay be allocated within symbol 0 of the slot-to provide time for the UEto perform the retuning. In some examples, the gap resourcesmay be null resources. The time and frequency resources in symbol 13 of the slot-on the first component carrier-may additionally or alternatively include null resources (e.g., empty resources).

115 115 420 400 115 13 405 5 7 FIGS.- Accordingly, if the UEdoes not indicate support of the enhanced uplink carrier aggregation mode, the UEmay be configured to perform carrier switching to transmit an SRS, or other uplink messages, as illustrated by the component carrier switching timeline. The enhanced uplink carrier aggregation mode as described herein may provide for the UEto support uplink transmission in overlapping resources, such as in the sloton, on two or more component carriers, as described in further detail with reference to.

5 FIG. 4 FIG. 1 2 FIGS.and 2 4 FIGS.- 500 500 400 100 200 500 115 105 505 505 505 505 500 115 505 505 a b a b a b. illustrates an example of a component carrier switching timelinethat supports carrier switching with uplink carrier aggregation capability in accordance with aspects of the present disclosure. The component carrier switching timelinemay implement aspects of the component carrier switching timeline, as described with reference to, and the wireless communications systemsand, as described with reference to. For example, the component carrier switching timelinemay illustrate a timeline for a UEto transmit uplink data to a network entityvia a first component carrier-, a second component carrier-, or both. The first and second component carriers-and-may be examples of the component carriers described with reference to. In the example of the component carrier switching timeline, the UEmay be configured to support uplink carrier aggregation, SRS carrier switching, or both, on the first component carrier-and the second component carrier-

500 505 505 510 510 515 510 510 115 505 540 540 510 510 525 115 520 510 115 105 115 105 115 520 505 505 115 a b a b a b a a b a b a a b The component carrier switching timelineillustrates resource allocations for the first and second component carriers-and-within a slot-(e.g., slot N), a slot-(e.g., slot N+1), and one or more symbolswithin the slots-and-. The UEmay be configured to perform uplink transmissions on the first component carrier-during the durations-and-(e.g., symbols 0 through 13 of the slot-and symbols 1 through 13 of the slot-may include resources allocated as the PUSCH resources). The UEmay be scheduled to transmit an SRSduring symbol 13 of the slot-. In some examples, the UEmay transmit a UE capability message to a network entityto indicate a capability of the UE, and the network entitymay configure the UEto transmit the SRSon the first component carrier-, the second component carrier-, or both, based on the capability of the UE.

500 115 115 115 105 505 115 115 505 115 505 115 105 115 115 105 115 2 4 FIGS.- 2 FIG. In the example of the component carrier switching timeline, the UEmay transmit the capability message indicating that the UEsupports operation in an enhanced uplink carrier aggregation mode, as described with reference to. The UEmay signal support for the enhanced uplink carrier aggregation mode on a per component carrier basis. In some other cases, the UE may signal support for the enhanced uplink carrier aggregation on a per band basis, or per band of band combination basis. The network entitymay, in some examples, indicate, per component carrier, per band, or per band of band combination, whether the UEis to operate in the enhanced uplink carrier aggregation mode. As described with reference to, the UEmay indicate, per component carrier(e.g., or per band combination), whether the UEis capable of transitioning a transmit chain associated with the component carrierbetween a dormant mode and an active mode. In some examples, the UEmay transmit the capability message signaling support for both uplink carrier aggregation and SRS carrier switching, and the network entitymay determine that the UEsupports operations in the enhanced uplink carrier aggregation mode based on the combination of capabilities. Additionally or alternatively, the UEmay transmit the capability message indicating support for simultaneous transmission in connection with SRS carrier switching, and the network entitymay determine that the UEsupports operations in the enhanced uplink carrier aggregation mode based on the UE capability.

105 115 115 105 115 520 505 520 505 520 520 500 520 535 410 505 505 a a b b a b a a b. The network entitymay configure the UEto operate in the enhanced uplink carrier aggregation mode accordingly. Additionally or alternatively, the UEmay autonomously switch to operating in the enhanced uplink carrier aggregation mode (e.g., without signaling from the network entity). While operating in the enhanced uplink carrier aggregation mode, the UEmay transmit a first SRS-via the first component carrier-and a second SRS-via the second component carrier-, where the transmission of the first SRS-and the transmission of the second SRS-are at least partially overlapping in time, as illustrated in the component carrier switching timeline. For example, the first and second SRSsmay be transmitted via at least some of the SRS resourcesin symbol 13 of the slot-on the first and second component carriers-and-

115 520 520 510 510 505 530 510 505 535 a b a b a a a 3 4 FIGS.and 4 FIG. The UEmay transmit the SRS-and the SRS-using a framework similar to the SRS carrier switching framework illustrated in. For example, the resources in symbol 12 of the slot-and symbol 0 of the slot-on the first component carrier-may be allocated as the gap resourcesto provide an interruption time. However, the resources in symbol 13 of the slot-on the first component carrier-may be allocated as SRS resources(e.g., instead of empty resources as illustrated in).

500 115 505 505 505 505 505 115 505 505 b a a b a b 6 7 FIGS.and The interruption time gap in the example of the component carrier switching timelinemay provide an interruption time for the UEto retune component carriers, to turn on an uplink transmit chain corresponding to the second component carrier-, or both. That is, in some examples, instead of interrupting the uplink transmissions on the first component carrier-to retune an uplink chain between the first component carrier-and the second component carrier-, the UEmay interrupt the uplink transmissions on the first component carrier-to activate or deactivate an uplink transmit chain associated with the second component carrier-. Techniques for activating and deactivating uplink transmit chains are described in further detail elsewhere herein, including with reference to.

6 FIG. 5 FIG. 1 2 FIGS.and 2 5 FIGS.- 600 600 500 100 200 600 115 105 605 605 605 605 600 115 a b a b illustrates an example of a component carrier activation timelinethat supports carrier switching with uplink carrier aggregation capability in accordance with aspects of the present disclosure. The component carrier activation timelinemay implement aspects of the component carrier switching timeline, as described with reference to, and the wireless communications systemsand, as described with reference to. For example, the component carrier activation timelinemay illustrate a timeline for a UEto transmit uplink data to a network entityvia a first component carrier-, a second component carrier-, or both. The first and second component carriers-and-may be examples of the component carriers described with reference to. In the example of the component carrier activation timeline, the UEmay be configured to support operations in an enhanced uplink carrier switching mode.

115 605 605 600 605 605 610 610 615 610 610 115 650 605 650 605 115 620 605 605 610 115 115 105 115 a b a b a b a b a a b b a b a 1 5 FIGS.- The UEmay support communications via the first component carrier-(e.g., CC1) and the second component carrier-(e.g., CC2). The component carrier activation timelineillustrates resource allocations for the first and second component carriers-and-within a slot-(e.g., slot N), a slot-(e.g., slot N+1), and one or more symbolswithin the slots-and-. The UEmay support a first transmit chain-(e.g., transmit chain 1) for the first component carrier-and a second transmit chain-(e.g., transmit chain 2) for the second component carrier-. The UEmay be scheduled to transmit one or more SRSsvia the first component carrier-, the second component carrier-, or both during symbol 13 of the slot-based on a capability of the UE. In some cases, as described with reference to, the UEmay transmit a UE capability message to the network entityto indicate whether the UEsupports operation in an enhanced uplink carrier aggregation mode.

600 115 605 115 650 650 115 650 605 115 650 115 650 115 115 115 645 650 115 605 645 600 115 115 650 605 115 645 645 b b b a b In the example of the component carrier activation timeline, the UEmay signal, per component carrier(e.g., or per uplink band of the configured uplink band combination), whether the UEsupports a dormant transmit chain, such as the dormant transmit chain-. If the UEsupports a dormant transmit chainon a component carrier, the UEmay be capable of transitioning the dormant transmit chainbetween a dormant mode and an active mode. That is, by signaling whether the UEis capable of transitioning the dormant chain, the UEmay indicate whether the UEsupports operations in the enhanced uplink carrier aggregation mode. The UEmay additionally or alternatively indicate a duration of an interruption time gapassociated with the dormant transmit chain. In some examples, the UEmay indicate which component carrier(s)are interrupted by the interruption time gap. In the example of the component carrier activation timeline, the UEmay signal a capability of the UEto transition the transmit chain-associated with the second component carrier-between the dormant mode and the active mode. The UEmay indicate a duration of the interruption time gaps-and-for transitioning between the active mode and the dormant mode.

115 115 105 105 115 2 5 FIGS.- The UEmay operate in the enhanced uplink carrier aggregation mode based on the UE capabilities. The UEmay operate in the enhanced uplink carrier aggregation mode autonomously, or the network entitymay receive the indication of the UE capability, and the network entitymay configure the UEto operate in the enhanced uplink carrier aggregation mode accordingly, as described with reference to.

105 605 605 605 650 605 650 115 650 605 b b b b a a In some examples, the network entitymay transmit an indication of the configuration for the enhanced uplink carrier aggregation mode via a configuration bit per component carrier(e.g., a bit may be added to a component carrier configuration) to indicate whether the component carrieris in a dormant mode or not. During a dormant mode for the component carrier-, the transmit chain-corresponding to the component carrier-may operate in a dormant mode (e.g., turn off). During an uplink carrier aggregation mode, the transmit chain-may transition to an active state (e.g., turn on). The UEmay continuously operate the transmit chain-corresponding to the first component carrier-in an active state.

600 115 650 645 645 645 650 605 630 610 610 115 650 620 620 b a b b a b b a b. 4 FIG. In the example of the enhanced uplink carrier aggregation mode illustrated in the component carrier activation timeline, the UEmay activate or deactivate the second transmit chain-during the interruption time gaps-and-, respectively (e.g., the interruption time gapsmay be a glitch due to turning on and off the transmit chain-, instead of a switching time for retuning before component carriers, as described with reference to). As such, the gap resourcesmay be allocated within the symbol 12 of the slot-and the symbol 0 of the slot-to provide for the UEto turn on and off the transmit chain-before and after transmitting the SRSs-and-

600 115 650 605 640 115 605 610 625 115 650 645 620 620 410 650 115 605 610 605 630 115 620 620 635 610 605 605 650 650 115 620 620 b b a a a b a a b a b a a a a b a a b a b a b. Accordingly, in the example of the component carrier activation timeline, the UEmay operate the transmit chain-associated with the second component carrier-in a dormant mode (e.g., an off state) for the duration-while the UEtransmits uplink data over the first component carrier-(e.g., symbols 0 through 11 of the slot-may include resources allocated as the PUSCH resources). The UEmay activate the transmit chain-during the interruption time gap-prior to the scheduled transmission of the SRSs-and-in symbol 13 of the slot-. The activation of the transmit chain-may interrupt the uplink transmissions by the UEon the first component carrier-(e.g., the resources in symbol 12 of the slot-on the first component carrier-may include the gap resources). The UEmay transmit the SRS-and the SRS-via the SRS resourcesallocated within the symbol 13 of the slot-on the first component carrier-and the second component carrier-, respectively in accordance with the enhanced uplink carrier aggregation mode. Both the first transmit chain-and the second transmit chain-may operate in the active state while the UEtransmits the SRSs-and-

620 620 115 650 645 650 605 410 605 630 115 605 640 610 625 a b b b b a b a a b b After transmitting the SRSs-and-, the UEmay transition the transmit chain-from the active mode to the dormant mode during the interruption time gap-. The deactivation of the transmit chain-may interrupt the uplink communications on the first component carrier-(e.g., the resources in symbol 0 of the slot-on the first component carrier-may include the gap resources). The UEmay transmit uplink data on the first component carrier-for the duration-(e.g., symbols 1 through 13 of the slot-may include the PUSCH resources).

115 600 115 620 605 605 115 605 115 a b b The UEmay thereby support operations in the enhanced uplink carrier aggregation mode according to the component carrier activation timeline. While operating in the enhanced uplink carrier aggregation mode, the UEmay perform simultaneous transmission of SRSs, or other uplink messages or signals, via the first component carrier-and the second component carrier-according to an uplink carrier aggregation mode, and the UEmay utilize uplink carrier switching framework to activate and deactivate at least one transmit chain associated with the second component carrier-prior to and subsequent to the uplink transmissions to reduce power consumption by the UE.

7 FIG. 6 FIG. 1 2 FIGS.and 2 6 FIGS.- 700 700 600 100 200 700 115 105 705 705 705 705 700 115 755 a b a b illustrates an example of a component carrier activation timelinethat supports carrier switching with uplink carrier aggregation capability in accordance with aspects of the present disclosure. The component carrier activation timelinemay implement aspects of the component carrier activation timeline, as described with reference to, and the wireless communications systemsand, as described with reference to. For example, the component carrier activation timelinemay illustrate a timeline for a UEto transmit uplink data to a network entityvia a first component carrier-, a second component carrier-, or both. The first and second component carriers-and-may be examples of the component carriers described with reference to. In the example of the component carrier activation timeline, the UEmay initiate a timerwhile operating in an enhanced uplink carrier aggregation mode to reduce power consumption.

115 705 705 115 750 705 750 705 115 720 705 705 115 a b a a b b a b The UEmay be configured with the first component carrier-(e.g., CC1) and the second component carrier-(e.g., CC2). The UEmay support a first transmit chain-(e.g., transmit chain 1) associated with the first component carrier-and a second transmit chain-(e.g., transmit chain 2) associated with the second component carrier-. The UEmay be scheduled to transmit one or more SRSsvia the first component carrier-, the second component carrier-, or both (e.g., based on a capability of the UE).

6 FIG. 115 705 115 115 705 115 750 750 115 745 745 750 b b b a b b. As described with reference to, the UEmay signal, per component carrier(e.g., or per uplink band of the configured uplink band combination), whether the UEsupports the enhanced uplink carrier aggregation mode. For example, the UEmay signal, for the component carrier-, that the UEis capable of transitioning the transmit chain-(e.g., a dormant transmit chain-) between a dormant mode and an active mode. The UEmay signal a duration of the interruption time gaps-and-for activating and deactivating the transmit chain-

115 115 105 105 105 705 705 115 105 705 705 705 750 705 750 115 750 705 a b b b b b a a The UEmay switch to operating in the enhanced uplink carrier aggregation mode based on the UE capabilities. The UEmay switch to the enhanced uplink carrier aggregation mode or based on an indication from the network entity. For example, the network entitymay receive the indication of the UE capability to support the enhanced uplink carrier aggregation mode, and the network entitymay transmit a control message indicating a configuration for the UE to operate in the enhanced uplink carrier aggregation mode accordingly. The configuration may indicate, for each of the component carriers-and-, whether the UEis to operate in the enhanced uplink carrier aggregation mode. In some examples, the network entitymay transmit a configuration bit per component carrierto indicate whether the respective component carrieris in a dormant mode or not (e.g., a bit may be added to a component carrier configuration). During a dormant mode for the component carrier-, the transmit chain-corresponding to the component carrier-may operate in a dormant mode. The transmit chain-may transition to an active state during an uplink carrier aggregation mode. The UEmay operate the transmit chain-corresponding to the first component carrier-in an active state continuously.

700 115 750 705 740 115 705 710 725 115 750 745 720 720 710 735 710 730 745 b b a a a b a a b b b a. In the example of the component carrier activation timeline, the UEmay deactivate (e.g., turn off) the dormant transmit chain-corresponding to the second component carrier-for the duration-while the UEtransmits uplink data on the first component carrier-(e.g., symbols 0 through 11 of the slot-may be allocated as the PUSCH resources). The UEmay transition the transmit chain-from the dormant state to the active state during the interruption time gap-in preparation for the scheduled transmissions of the SRSs-and-(e.g., during symbol 13 of the slot-, which may include the SRS resources). The resources in symbol 12 of the slot-may be allocated as the gap resourcesto provide for the interruption time gap-

115 720 720 735 710 705 705 115 720 720 750 705 750 705 115 720 720 a b a a b a b a a b b a b. The UEmay transmit the SRS-and the SRS-via the SRS resourcesallocated within the symbol 13 of the slot-on the first component carrier-and the second component carrier-, respectively. The UEmay transmit the SRSs-and-in accordance with the enhanced uplink carrier aggregation mode. Both the first transmit chain-associated with the first component carrier-and the second transmit chain-associated with the second component carrier-may operate in the active state while the UEtransmits the SRSs-and-

115 755 755 105 750 720 720 115 755 700 755 715 115 720 725 710 705 115 755 115 b a b b b The UEmay be configured with a timerfor operations according to the enhanced uplink carrier aggregation mode. The timermay be configured by a network entity(e.g., via a RRC configuration). Instead of turning off the dormant transmit chain-after transmitting the SRSs-and-, the UEmay initiate the timer. In the example of the component carrier activation timeline, a duration of the timermay be five symbols. The UEmay transmit scheduled SRSsor other uplink messages via the PUSCH resourcesallocated within the symbols 0 through 2 and/or symbols 4 through 8 of the slot-on the second component carrier-. The UEmay reset the timereach time the UEperforms a scheduled transmission.

7 FIG. 115 720 705 720 710 115 720 755 115 755 720 115 755 750 115 755 115 705 725 740 710 755 115 720 705 115 725 705 c b b b c c b b b b c b a. In the example of, the UEmay be scheduled to transmit an SRS-on the second component carrier-after the SRS-(e.g., in symbol 3 of the slot-). As such, the UEmay transmit the SRS-before the timerexpires, and the UEmay restart the timerafter transmitting the SRS-on the second component carrier. The UEmay continue to reset the timerand maintain the transmit chain-in the active state as long as the UEis scheduled to perform SRS transmissions, or other uplink transmissions, prior to an expiration of the timer. In some examples, the UEmay perform uplink transmissions on the second component carrier-via the PUSCH resourcesduring the duration-(e.g., symbols 0 through 8 of the slot-) before the timerexpires. As such, in some examples, the UEmay transmit the SRS-or other uplink messages on the second component carrier-while the UEsimultaneously transmits uplink data via the PUSCH resourceson the first component carrier-

7 FIG. 755 710 115 720 115 750 755 745 750 705 705 710 705 730 750 115 705 740 710 725 b c b b b b a b a b a b b In the example of, the timermay expire at the end of symbol 8 in the slot-(e.g., the UEmay not perform any uplink transmission for at least five symbols after transmitting the SRS-). The UEmay deactivate the transmit chain-in response to the expiration of the timerand during the interruption time gap-. The deactivation of the transmit chain-on the second component carrier-may interrupt the uplink communications on the first component carrier-. Accordingly, the resources in symbol 9 of the slot-on the first component carrier-may be allocated as the gap resources. After the transmit chain-is deactivated, the UEmay continue to transmit uplink data on the first component carrier-for the remainder of the duration-(e.g., resources in symbols 10 through 13 of the slot-may be allocated as the PUSCH resources).

115 755 115 755 115 705 7 FIG. Accordingly, the UEmay run a timerwhile performing enhanced uplink carrier aggregation to reduce power consumption and improve reliability associated with uplink transmission. Although not illustrated in, it is to be understood that the UEmay apply the enhanced uplink carrier aggregation mode, the timer, or both, to any uplink transmissions or any uplink channels (e.g., PUSCH, PUCCH, PRACH, or other uplink channels). The enhanced uplink carrier aggregation mode may provide for the UEto reduce power consumption while performing at least some uplink transmissions on two or more component carriers.

8 FIG. 1 7 FIGS.- 800 800 100 200 800 115 105 115 105 115 b b b illustrates an example of a process flowthat supports carrier switching with uplink carrier aggregation capability in accordance with aspects of the present disclosure. The process flowmay implement or be implemented by some aspects of the wireless communications systemor. For example, the process flowmay include a UE-and a network entity-, which may be examples of a UEand a network entityas described with reference to. In some examples, the UE-may support operations in an enhanced uplink carrier aggregation mode.

800 115 105 115 105 b b It is understood that the devices and nodes described by the process flowmay communicate with or be coupled with other devices or nodes that are not illustrated. For example, the UE-and the network entity-may communicate with one or more other UEs, network entities, or other devices. Alternative examples of the following may be implemented, where some steps are performed in a different order than described or are not performed at all. In some cases, a step may include additional features not mentioned below, or further steps may be added.

805 115 105 115 b b b At, the UE-may transmit a capability message to the network entity-. The capability message may indicate that the UE-supports operation in an enhanced uplink carrier aggregation mode for transmission of a first uplink message on a first component carrier overlapping in time with transmission of a second uplink message on a second component carrier. Transmission of the second uplink message in accordance with the enhanced uplink carrier aggregation mode may be associated with one or more interruption time gaps on the first component carrier.

810 115 105 b b At, in some examples, the UE-may receive a control message from the network entity-based on transmitting the capability message. The control message may indicate a configuration for the UE to operate in the enhanced uplink carrier aggregation mode.

815 115 105 115 115 105 115 115 b b b b b b b At, the UE-may transmit the first uplink message to the network entity-. The UE-may transmit the first uplink message over the first component carrier in accordance with the enhanced uplink carrier aggregation mode. In some examples, the UE-may operate in the enhanced uplink carrier aggregation mode based on receiving the control message from the network entity-. Additionally or alternatively, the UE-may operate in the enhanced uplink carrier aggregation mode based on the capability of the UE-to support operation in the enhanced uplink carrier aggregation mode, as indicated via the capability message.

820 115 105 115 115 b b b b At, the UE-may transmit the second uplink message to the network entity-. The UE-may transmit the second uplink message over the second component carrier in accordance with the enhanced uplink carrier aggregation mode. The UE-may transmit the second uplink message after at least one of the one or more interruption time gaps on the first component carrier.

9 FIG. 900 905 905 115 905 910 915 920 905 shows a block diagramof a devicethat supports carrier switching with uplink carrier aggregation capability in accordance with aspects of the present disclosure. The devicemay be an example of aspects of a UEas described herein. The devicemay include a receiver, a transmitter, and a communications manager. The devicemay also include a processor. Each of these components may be in communication with one another (e.g., via one or more buses).

910 905 910 The receivermay provide a means for receiving information such as packets, user data, control information, or any combination thereof associated with various information channels (e.g., control channels, data channels, information channels related to carrier switching with uplink carrier aggregation capability). Information may be passed on to other components of the device. The receivermay utilize a single antenna or a set of multiple antennas.

915 905 915 915 910 915 The transmittermay provide a means for transmitting signals generated by other components of the device. For example, the transmittermay transmit information such as packets, user data, control information, or any combination thereof associated with various information channels (e.g., control channels, data channels, information channels related to carrier switching with uplink carrier aggregation capability). In some examples, the transmittermay be co-located with a receiverin a transceiver module. The transmittermay utilize a single antenna or a set of multiple antennas.

920 910 915 920 910 915 The communications manager, the receiver, the transmitter, or various combinations thereof or various components thereof may be examples of means for performing various aspects of carrier switching with uplink carrier aggregation capability as described herein. For example, the communications manager, the receiver, the transmitter, or various combinations or components thereof may support a method for performing one or more of the functions described herein.

920 910 915 In some examples, the communications manager, the receiver, the transmitter, or various combinations or components thereof may be implemented in hardware (e.g., in communications management circuitry). The hardware may include a processor, a digital signal processor (DSP), an application-specific integrated circuit (ASIC), a field-programmable gate array (FPGA) or other programmable logic device, a discrete gate or transistor logic, discrete hardware components, or any combination thereof configured as or otherwise supporting a means for performing the functions described in the present disclosure. In some examples, a processor and memory coupled with the processor may be configured to perform one or more of the functions described herein (e.g., by executing, by the processor, instructions stored in the memory).

920 910 915 920 910 915 Additionally or alternatively, in some examples, the communications manager, the receiver, the transmitter, or various combinations or components thereof may be implemented in code (e.g., as communications management software or firmware) executed by a processor. If implemented in code executed by a processor, the functions of the communications manager, the receiver, the transmitter, or various combinations or components thereof may be performed by a general-purpose processor, a DSP, a central processing unit (CPU), an ASIC, an FPGA, or any combination of these or other programmable logic devices (e.g., configured as or otherwise supporting a means for performing the functions described in the present disclosure).

920 910 915 920 910 915 910 915 In some examples, the communications managermay be configured to perform various operations (e.g., receiving, monitoring, transmitting) using or otherwise in cooperation with the receiver, the transmitter, or both. For example, the communications managermay receive information from the receiver, send information to the transmitter, or be integrated in combination with the receiver, the transmitter, or both to receive information, transmit information, or perform various other operations as described herein.

920 920 920 920 The communications managermay support wireless communication at a UE in accordance with examples as disclosed herein. For example, the communications managermay be configured as or otherwise support a means for transmitting a capability message indicating that the UE supports operation in an enhanced uplink carrier aggregation mode for transmission of a first uplink message on a first component carrier overlapping in time with transmission of a second uplink message on a second component carrier, where transmission of the second uplink message in accordance with the enhanced uplink carrier aggregation mode is associated with one or more interruption time gaps on the first component carrier. The communications managermay be configured as or otherwise support a means for transmitting the first uplink message over the first component carrier in accordance with the enhanced uplink carrier aggregation mode. The communications managermay be configured as or otherwise support a means for transmitting the second uplink message over the second component carrier after at least one of the one or more interruption time gaps on the first component carrier, in accordance with the enhanced uplink carrier aggregation mode.

920 905 910 915 920 905 115 By including or configuring the communications managerin accordance with examples as described herein, the device(e.g., a processor controlling or otherwise coupled to the receiver, the transmitter, the communications manager, or a combination thereof) may support techniques for reduced processing and reduced power consumption. The processor of the device(e.g., a UE) may operate in an enhanced uplink carrier aggregation mode, in which the processor may operate a transmit chain associated with a component carrier in a dormant mode until a scheduled transmission is set to occur on the component carrier. The processor may activate the transmit chain to perform the scheduled transmission and may deactivate the transmit chain after the scheduled transmission occurs, which may provide for the processor to operate in an uplink carrier aggregation mode for transmission of one or more uplink messages and transition back to communicating via a single component carrier after the transmission, which may reduce power consumption by the processor. Additionally or alternatively, the processor may reduce processing and power consumption by transmitting on two or more component carriers for a portion of time.

10 FIG. 1000 1005 1005 905 115 1005 1010 1015 1020 1005 shows a block diagramof a devicethat supports carrier switching with uplink carrier aggregation capability in accordance with aspects of the present disclosure. The devicemay be an example of aspects of a deviceor a UEas described herein. The devicemay include a receiver, a transmitter, and a communications manager. The devicemay also include a processor. Each of these components may be in communication with one another (e.g., via one or more buses).

1010 1005 1010 The receivermay provide a means for receiving information such as packets, user data, control information, or any combination thereof associated with various information channels (e.g., control channels, data channels, information channels related to carrier switching with uplink carrier aggregation capability). Information may be passed on to other components of the device. The receivermay utilize a single antenna or a set of multiple antennas.

1015 1005 1015 1015 1010 1015 The transmittermay provide a means for transmitting signals generated by other components of the device. For example, the transmittermay transmit information such as packets, user data, control information, or any combination thereof associated with various information channels (e.g., control channels, data channels, information channels related to carrier switching with uplink carrier aggregation capability). In some examples, the transmittermay be co-located with a receiverin a transceiver module. The transmittermay utilize a single antenna or a set of multiple antennas.

1005 1020 1025 1030 1020 920 1020 1010 1015 1020 1010 1015 1010 1015 The device, or various components thereof, may be an example of means for performing various aspects of carrier switching with uplink carrier aggregation capability as described herein. For example, the communications managermay include a capability message transmission component, an uplink message transmission component, or any combination thereof. The communications managermay be an example of aspects of a communications manageras described herein. In some examples, the communications manager, or various components thereof, may be configured to perform various operations (e.g., receiving, monitoring, transmitting) using or otherwise in cooperation with the receiver, the transmitter, or both. For example, the communications managermay receive information from the receiver, send information to the transmitter, or be integrated in combination with the receiver, the transmitter, or both to receive information, transmit information, or perform various other operations as described herein.

1020 1025 1030 1030 The communications managermay support wireless communication at a UE in accordance with examples as disclosed herein. The capability message transmission componentmay be configured as or otherwise support a means for transmitting a capability message indicating that the UE supports operation in an enhanced uplink carrier aggregation mode for transmission of a first uplink message on a first component carrier overlapping in time with transmission of a second uplink message on a second component carrier, where transmission of the second uplink message in accordance with the enhanced uplink carrier aggregation mode is associated with one or more interruption time gaps on the first component carrier. The uplink message transmission componentmay be configured as or otherwise support a means for transmitting the first uplink message over the first component carrier in accordance with the enhanced uplink carrier aggregation mode. The uplink message transmission componentmay be configured as or otherwise support a means for transmitting the second uplink message over the second component carrier after at least one of the one or more interruption time gaps on the first component carrier, in accordance with the enhanced uplink carrier aggregation mode.

11 FIG. 1100 1120 1120 920 1020 1120 1120 1125 1130 1135 1140 1145 1150 1155 1160 shows a block diagramof a communications managerthat supports carrier switching with uplink carrier aggregation capability in accordance with aspects of the present disclosure. The communications managermay be an example of aspects of a communications manager, a communications manager, or both, as described herein. The communications manager, or various components thereof, may be an example of means for performing various aspects of carrier switching with uplink carrier aggregation capability as described herein. For example, the communications managermay include a capability message transmission component, a control message reception component, an uplink message transmission component, an enhanced uplink carrier aggregation mode component, a dormant transmit chain component, an interruption time gap component, an active transmit chain component, a timer component, or any combination thereof. Each of these components may communicate, directly or indirectly, with one another (e.g., via one or more buses).

1120 1125 1135 1135 The communications managermay support wireless communication at a UE in accordance with examples as disclosed herein. The capability message transmission componentmay be configured as or otherwise support a means for transmitting a capability message indicating that the UE supports operation in an enhanced uplink carrier aggregation mode for transmission of a first uplink message on a first component carrier overlapping in time with transmission of a second uplink message on a second component carrier, where transmission of the second uplink message in accordance with the enhanced uplink carrier aggregation mode is associated with one or more interruption time gaps on the first component carrier. The uplink message transmission componentmay be configured as or otherwise support a means for transmitting the first uplink message over the first component carrier in accordance with the enhanced uplink carrier aggregation mode. In some examples, the uplink message transmission componentmay be configured as or otherwise support a means for transmitting the second uplink message over the second component carrier after at least one of the one or more interruption time gaps on the first component carrier, in accordance with the enhanced uplink carrier aggregation mode.

1140 In some examples, to support transmitting the capability message, the enhanced uplink carrier aggregation mode componentmay be configured as or otherwise support a means for signaling support for the enhanced uplink carrier aggregation mode on a per component carrier basis.

1145 In some examples, to support transmitting the capability message, the dormant transmit chain componentmay be configured as or otherwise support a means for indicating, for the second component carrier, that the UE is capable of transitioning a transmit chain associated with the second component carrier between a dormant mode and an active mode.

1150 In some examples, to support transmitting the capability message, the interruption time gap componentmay be configured as or otherwise support a means for indicating a duration of the one or more interruption time gaps.

1130 1130 In some examples, the control message reception componentmay be configured as or otherwise support a means for receiving, based on the transmitting of the capability message, a control message that indicates a configuration for the UE to operate in the enhanced uplink carrier aggregation mode. In some examples, to support receiving the control message that indicates the configuration, the control message reception componentmay be configured as or otherwise support a means for receiving a configuration bit per component carrier, the configuration bit indicating whether the UE is to operate in the enhanced uplink carrier aggregation mode.

1145 1155 1155 1145 In some examples, the dormant transmit chain componentmay be configured as or otherwise support a means for operating, in accordance with the enhanced uplink carrier aggregation mode, a transmit chain associated with the second component carrier in a dormant mode prior to a scheduled transmission of the second uplink message over the second component carrier. In some examples, the active transmit chain componentmay be configured as or otherwise support a means for activating the transmit chain during at least one of the one or more interruption gaps. In some examples, the active transmit chain componentmay be configured as or otherwise support a means for operating, in accordance with the enhanced uplink carrier aggregation mode, the transmit chain in an active mode during the scheduled transmission of the second uplink message over the second component carrier. In some examples, the dormant transmit chain componentmay be configured as or otherwise support a means for transitioning the transmit chain from the active mode to the dormant mode after transmission of the second uplink message.

1160 1145 In some examples, to support transitioning the transmit chain from the active mode to the dormant mode, the timer componentmay be configured as or otherwise support a means for activating a timer based on transmission of the second uplink message. In some examples, to support transitioning the transmit chain from the active mode to the dormant mode, the dormant transmit chain componentmay be configured as or otherwise support a means for transitioning the transmit chain from the active mode to the dormant mode after expiration of the timer.

1160 In some examples, the timer componentmay be configured as or otherwise support a means for resetting the timer prior to expiration of the timer and based on the UE being scheduled to transmit additional uplink messages over the second component carrier.

1125 In some examples, the first uplink message and the second uplink message are each SRS messages. In some examples, to support transmitting the capability message, the capability message transmission componentmay be configured as or otherwise support a means for signaling support for both uplink carrier aggregation and SRS carrier switching.

1125 In some examples, to support transmitting the capability message, the capability message transmission componentmay be configured as or otherwise support a means for indicating support for simultaneous transmissions in connection with SRS carrier switching.

12 FIG. 1200 1205 1205 905 1005 115 1205 105 115 1205 1220 1210 1215 1225 1230 1235 1240 1245 shows a diagram of a systemincluding a devicethat supports carrier switching with uplink carrier aggregation capability in accordance with aspects of the present disclosure. The devicemay be an example of or include the components of a device, a device, or a UEas described herein. The devicemay communicate wirelessly with one or more network entities, UEs, or any combination thereof. The devicemay include components for bi-directional voice and data communications including components for transmitting and receiving communications, such as a communications manager, an input/output (I/O) controller, a transceiver, an antenna, a memory, code, and a processor. These components may be in electronic communication or otherwise coupled (e.g., operatively, communicatively, functionally, electronically, electrically) via one or more buses (e.g., a bus).

1210 1205 1210 1205 1210 1210 1210 1210 1240 1205 1210 1210 The I/O controllermay manage input and output signals for the device. The I/O controllermay also manage peripherals not integrated into the device. In some cases, the I/O controllermay represent a physical connection or port to an external peripheral. In some cases, the I/O controllermay utilize an operating system such as iOS®, ANDROID®, MS-DOS®, MS-WINDOWS®, OS/2®, UNIX®, LINUX®, or another known operating system. Additionally or alternatively, the I/O controllermay represent or interact with a modem, a keyboard, a mouse, a touchscreen, or a similar device. In some cases, the I/O controllermay be implemented as part of a processor, such as the processor. In some cases, a user may interact with the devicevia the I/O controlleror via hardware components controlled by the I/O controller.

1205 1225 1205 1225 1215 1225 1215 1215 1225 1225 1215 1215 1225 915 1015 910 1010 In some cases, the devicemay include a single antenna. However, in some other cases, the devicemay have more than one antenna, which may be capable of concurrently transmitting or receiving multiple wireless transmissions. The transceivermay communicate bi-directionally, via the one or more antennas, wired, or wireless links as described herein. For example, the transceivermay represent a wireless transceiver and may communicate bi-directionally with another wireless transceiver. The transceivermay also include a modem to modulate the packets, to provide the modulated packets to one or more antennasfor transmission, and to demodulate packets received from the one or more antennas. The transceiver, or the transceiverand one or more antennas, may be an example of a transmitter, a transmitter, a receiver, a receiver, or any combination thereof or component thereof, as described herein.

1230 1230 1235 1240 1205 1235 1235 1240 1230 The memorymay include random access memory (RAM) and read-only memory (ROM). The memorymay store computer-readable, computer-executable codeincluding instructions that, when executed by the processor, cause the deviceto perform various functions described herein. The codemay be stored in a non-transitory computer-readable medium such as system memory or another type of memory. In some cases, the codemay not be directly executable by the processorbut may cause a computer (e.g., when compiled and executed) to perform functions described herein. In some cases, the memorymay contain, among other things, a basic I/O system (BIOS) which may control basic hardware or software operation such as the interaction with peripheral components or devices.

1240 1240 1240 1240 1230 1205 1205 1205 1240 1230 1240 1240 1230 The processormay include an intelligent hardware device (e.g., a general-purpose processor, a DSP, a CPU, a microcontroller, an ASIC, an FPGA, a programmable logic device, a discrete gate or transistor logic component, a discrete hardware component, or any combination thereof). In some cases, the processormay be configured to operate a memory array using a memory controller. In some other cases, a memory controller may be integrated into the processor. The processormay be configured to execute computer-readable instructions stored in a memory (e.g., the memory) to cause the deviceto perform various functions (e.g., functions or tasks supporting carrier switching with uplink carrier aggregation capability). For example, the deviceor a component of the devicemay include a processorand memorycoupled to the processor, the processorand memoryconfigured to perform various functions described herein.

1220 1220 1220 1220 The communications managermay support wireless communication at a UE in accordance with examples as disclosed herein. For example, the communications managermay be configured as or otherwise support a means for transmitting a capability message indicating that the UE supports operation in an enhanced uplink carrier aggregation mode for transmission of a first uplink message on a first component carrier overlapping in time with transmission of a second uplink message on a second component carrier, where transmission of the second uplink message in accordance with the enhanced uplink carrier aggregation mode is associated with one or more interruption time gaps on the first component carrier. The communications managermay be configured as or otherwise support a means for transmitting the first uplink message over the first component carrier in accordance with the enhanced uplink carrier aggregation mode. The communications managermay be configured as or otherwise support a means for transmitting the second uplink message over the second component carrier after at least one of the one or more interruption time gaps on the first component carrier, in accordance with the enhanced uplink carrier aggregation mode.

1220 1205 1205 115 1205 1205 105 1205 1205 1205 1205 1205 1205 By including or configuring the communications managerin accordance with examples as described herein, the devicemay support techniques for improved communication reliability, reduced power consumption, improved coordination between devices, and longer battery life. The device(e.g., a UE) may signal, via a capability message, that the devicesupports operation in an enhanced uplink carrier aggregation mode, and the devicemay receive a configuration for operating in the enhanced uplink carrier aggregation mode in response. By signaling support for the enhanced uplink carrier aggregation mode to another device (e.g., a network entity), the devicemay support improved coordination between devices and improved communication reliability. Additionally or alternatively, while operating in the enhanced uplink carrier aggregation mode, the devicemay transmit one or more uplink messages via two or more component carriers, which may improve communication reliability. The devicemay operate a transmit chain associated with at least one of the two or more component carriers in a dormant mode until a scheduled uplink transmission, and the devicemay activate the transmit chain to perform the scheduled transmission. By operating the transmit chain in the dormant mode, the devicemay reduce power consumption and improve a batter life of the device.

1220 1215 1225 1220 1220 1240 1230 1235 1235 1240 1205 1240 1230 In some examples, the communications managermay be configured to perform various operations (e.g., receiving, monitoring, transmitting) using or otherwise in cooperation with the transceiver, the one or more antennas, or any combination thereof. Although the communications manageris illustrated as a separate component, in some examples, one or more functions described with reference to the communications managermay be supported by or performed by the processor, the memory, the code, or any combination thereof. For example, the codemay include instructions executable by the processorto cause the deviceto perform various aspects of carrier switching with uplink carrier aggregation capability as described herein, or the processorand the memorymay be otherwise configured to perform or support such operations.

13 FIG. 1300 1305 1305 105 1305 1310 1315 1320 1305 shows a block diagramof a devicethat supports carrier switching with uplink carrier aggregation capability in accordance with aspects of the present disclosure. The devicemay be an example of aspects of a network entityas described herein. The devicemay include a receiver, a transmitter, and a communications manager. The devicemay also include a processor. Each of these components may be in communication with one another (e.g., via one or more buses).

1310 1305 1310 The receivermay provide a means for receiving information such as packets, user data, control information, or any combination thereof associated with various information channels (e.g., control channels, data channels, information channels related to carrier switching with uplink carrier aggregation capability). Information may be passed on to other components of the device. The receivermay utilize a single antenna or a set of multiple antennas.

1315 1305 1315 1315 1310 1315 The transmittermay provide a means for transmitting signals generated by other components of the device. For example, the transmittermay transmit information such as packets, user data, control information, or any combination thereof associated with various information channels (e.g., control channels, data channels, information channels related to carrier switching with uplink carrier aggregation capability). In some examples, the transmittermay be co-located with a receiverin a transceiver module. The transmittermay utilize a single antenna or a set of multiple antennas.

1320 1310 1315 1320 1310 1315 The communications manager, the receiver, the transmitter, or various combinations thereof or various components thereof may be examples of means for performing various aspects of carrier switching with uplink carrier aggregation capability as described herein. For example, the communications manager, the receiver, the transmitter, or various combinations or components thereof may support a method for performing one or more of the functions described herein.

1320 1310 1315 In some examples, the communications manager, the receiver, the transmitter, or various combinations or components thereof may be implemented in hardware (e.g., in communications management circuitry). The hardware may include a processor, a DSP, an ASIC, an FPGA or other programmable logic device, a discrete gate or transistor logic, discrete hardware components, or any combination thereof configured as or otherwise supporting a means for performing the functions described in the present disclosure. In some examples, a processor and memory coupled with the processor may be configured to perform one or more of the functions described herein (e.g., by executing, by the processor, instructions stored in the memory).

1320 1310 1315 1320 1310 1315 Additionally or alternatively, in some examples, the communications manager, the receiver, the transmitter, or various combinations or components thereof may be implemented in code (e.g., as communications management software or firmware) executed by a processor. If implemented in code executed by a processor, the functions of the communications manager, the receiver, the transmitter, or various combinations or components thereof may be performed by a general-purpose processor, a DSP, a CPU, an ASIC, an FPGA, or any combination of these or other programmable logic devices (e.g., configured as or otherwise supporting a means for performing the functions described in the present disclosure).

1320 1310 1315 1320 1310 1315 1310 1315 In some examples, the communications managermay be configured to perform various operations (e.g., receiving, monitoring, transmitting) using or otherwise in cooperation with the receiver, the transmitter, or both. For example, the communications managermay receive information from the receiver, send information to the transmitter, or be integrated in combination with the receiver, the transmitter, or both to receive information, transmit information, or perform various other operations as described herein.

1320 1320 1320 1320 The communications managermay support wireless communication at a network entity in accordance with examples as disclosed herein. For example, the communications managermay be configured as or otherwise support a means for receiving a capability message indicating that a UE supports operation in an enhanced uplink carrier aggregation mode for transmission of a first uplink message on a first component carrier overlapping in time with transmission of a second uplink message on a second component carrier, where transmission of the second uplink message in accordance with the enhanced uplink carrier aggregation mode is associated with one or more interruption time gaps on the first component carrier. The communications managermay be configured as or otherwise support a means for receiving the first uplink message over the first component carrier in accordance with the enhanced uplink carrier aggregation mode. The communications managermay be configured as or otherwise support a means for receiving the second uplink message over the second component carrier after at least one of the one or more interruption time gaps on the first component carrier, in accordance with the enhanced uplink carrier aggregation mode.

14 FIG. 1400 1405 1405 1305 105 1405 1410 1415 1420 1405 shows a block diagramof a devicethat supports carrier switching with uplink carrier aggregation capability in accordance with aspects of the present disclosure. The devicemay be an example of aspects of a deviceor a network entityas described herein. The devicemay include a receiver, a transmitter, and a communications manager. The devicemay also include a processor. Each of these components may be in communication with one another (e.g., via one or more buses).

1410 1405 1410 The receivermay provide a means for receiving information such as packets, user data, control information, or any combination thereof associated with various information channels (e.g., control channels, data channels, information channels related to carrier switching with uplink carrier aggregation capability). Information may be passed on to other components of the device. The receivermay utilize a single antenna or a set of multiple antennas.

1415 1405 1415 1415 1410 1415 The transmittermay provide a means for transmitting signals generated by other components of the device. For example, the transmittermay transmit information such as packets, user data, control information, or any combination thereof associated with various information channels (e.g., control channels, data channels, information channels related to carrier switching with uplink carrier aggregation capability). In some examples, the transmittermay be co-located with a receiverin a transceiver module. The transmittermay utilize a single antenna or a set of multiple antennas.

1405 1420 1425 1430 1420 1320 1420 1410 1415 1420 1410 1415 1410 1415 The device, or various components thereof, may be an example of means for performing various aspects of carrier switching with uplink carrier aggregation capability as described herein. For example, the communications managermay include a capability message reception component, an uplink message reception component, or any combination thereof. The communications managermay be an example of aspects of a communications manageras described herein. In some examples, the communications manager, or various components thereof, may be configured to perform various operations (e.g., receiving, monitoring, transmitting) using or otherwise in cooperation with the receiver, the transmitter, or both. For example, the communications managermay receive information from the receiver, send information to the transmitter, or be integrated in combination with the receiver, the transmitter, or both to receive information, transmit information, or perform various other operations as described herein.

1420 1425 1430 1430 The communications managermay support wireless communication at a network entity in accordance with examples as disclosed herein. The capability message reception componentmay be configured as or otherwise support a means for receiving a capability message indicating that a UE supports operation in an enhanced uplink carrier aggregation mode for transmission of a first uplink message on a first component carrier overlapping in time with transmission of a second uplink message on a second component carrier, where transmission of the second uplink message in accordance with the enhanced uplink carrier aggregation mode is associated with one or more interruption time gaps on the first component carrier. The uplink message reception componentmay be configured as or otherwise support a means for receiving the first uplink message over the first component carrier in accordance with the enhanced uplink carrier aggregation mode. The uplink message reception componentmay be configured as or otherwise support a means for receiving the second uplink message over the second component carrier after at least one of the one or more interruption time gaps on the first component carrier, in accordance with the enhanced uplink carrier aggregation mode.

15 FIG. 1500 1520 1520 1320 1420 1520 1520 1525 1530 1535 1540 1545 1550 shows a block diagramof a communications managerthat supports carrier switching with uplink carrier aggregation capability in accordance with aspects of the present disclosure. The communications managermay be an example of aspects of a communications manager, a communications manager, or both, as described herein. The communications manager, or various components thereof, may be an example of means for performing various aspects of carrier switching with uplink carrier aggregation capability as described herein. For example, the communications managermay include a capability message reception component, a control message transmission component, an uplink message reception component, an enhanced uplink carrier aggregation component, a dormant transmit chain component, an interruption time gap component, or any combination thereof. Each of these components may communicate, directly or indirectly, with one another (e.g., via one or more buses).

1520 1525 1535 1535 The communications managermay support wireless communication at a network entity in accordance with examples as disclosed herein. The capability message reception componentmay be configured as or otherwise support a means for receiving a capability message indicating that a UE supports operation in an enhanced uplink carrier aggregation mode for transmission of a first uplink message on a first component carrier overlapping in time with transmission of a second uplink message on a second component carrier, where transmission of the second uplink message in accordance with the enhanced uplink carrier aggregation mode is associated with one or more interruption time gaps on the first component carrier. The uplink message reception componentmay be configured as or otherwise support a means for receiving the first uplink message over the first component carrier in accordance with the enhanced uplink carrier aggregation mode. In some examples, the uplink message reception componentmay be configured as or otherwise support a means for receiving the second uplink message over the second component carrier after at least one of the one or more interruption time gaps on the first component carrier, in accordance with the enhanced uplink carrier aggregation mode.

1540 In some examples, to support receiving the capability message, the enhanced uplink carrier aggregation componentmay be configured as or otherwise support a means for receiving an indication of support for the enhanced uplink carrier aggregation mode on a per component carrier basis.

1545 In some examples, to support receiving the capability message, the dormant transmit chain componentmay be configured as or otherwise support a means for receiving an indication, for the second component carrier, that the UE is capable of transitioning a transmit chain associated with the second component carrier between a dormant mode and an active mode.

1550 In some examples, to support receiving the capability message, the interruption time gap componentmay be configured as or otherwise support a means for receiving an indication of a duration of the one or more interruption time gaps.

1530 1540 In some examples, the control message transmission componentmay be configured as or otherwise support a means for transmitting, based on the capability message, a control message that indicates a configuration for the UE to operate in the enhanced uplink carrier aggregation mode. In some examples, to support transmitting the control message that indicates the configuration, the enhanced uplink carrier aggregation componentmay be configured as or otherwise support a means for transmitting a configuration bit per component carrier, the configuration bit indicating whether the UE is to operate in the enhanced uplink carrier aggregation mode.

1525 In some examples, the first uplink message and the second uplink message are each SRS messages. In some examples, to support receiving the capability message, the capability message reception componentmay be configured as or otherwise support a means for receiving an indication of support for both uplink carrier aggregation and SRS carrier switching.

1525 In some examples, to support receiving the capability message, the capability message reception componentmay be configured as or otherwise support a means for receiving an indication of support for simultaneous transmissions in connection with SRS carrier switching.

16 FIG. 1600 1605 1605 1305 1405 105 1605 105 115 1605 1620 1610 1615 1625 1630 1635 1640 1645 1650 shows a diagram of a systemincluding a devicethat supports carrier switching with uplink carrier aggregation capability in accordance with aspects of the present disclosure. The devicemay be an example of or include the components of a device, a device, or a network entityas described herein. The devicemay communicate wirelessly with one or more network entities, UEs, or any combination thereof. The devicemay include components for bi-directional voice and data communications including components for transmitting and receiving communications, such as a communications manager, a network communications manager, a transceiver, an antenna, a memory, code, a processor, and an inter-station communications manager. These components may be in electronic communication or otherwise coupled (e.g., operatively, communicatively, functionally, electronically, electrically) via one or more buses (e.g., a bus).

1610 130 1610 115 The network communications managermay manage communications with a core network(e.g., via one or more wired backhaul links). For example, the network communications managermay manage the transfer of data communications for client devices, such as one or more UEs.

1605 1625 1605 1625 1615 1625 1615 1615 1625 1625 1615 1615 1625 1315 1415 1310 1410 In some cases, the devicemay include a single antenna. However, in some other cases the devicemay have more than one antenna, which may be capable of concurrently transmitting or receiving multiple wireless transmissions. The transceivermay communicate bi-directionally, via the one or more antennas, wired, or wireless links as described herein. For example, the transceivermay represent a wireless transceiver and may communicate bi-directionally with another wireless transceiver. The transceivermay also include a modem to modulate the packets, to provide the modulated packets to one or more antennasfor transmission, and to demodulate packets received from the one or more antennas. The transceiver, or the transceiverand one or more antennas, may be an example of a transmitter, a transmitter, a receiver, a receiver, or any combination thereof or component thereof, as described herein.

1630 1630 1635 1640 1605 1635 1635 1640 1630 The memorymay include RAM and ROM. The memorymay store computer-readable, computer-executable codeincluding instructions that, when executed by the processor, cause the deviceto perform various functions described herein. The codemay be stored in a non-transitory computer-readable medium such as system memory or another type of memory. In some cases, the codemay not be directly executable by the processorbut may cause a computer (e.g., when compiled and executed) to perform functions described herein. In some cases, the memorymay contain, among other things, a BIOS which may control basic hardware or software operation such as the interaction with peripheral components or devices.

1640 1640 1640 1640 1630 1605 1605 1605 1640 1630 1640 1640 1630 The processormay include an intelligent hardware device (e.g., a general-purpose processor, a DSP, a CPU, a microcontroller, an ASIC, an FPGA, a programmable logic device, a discrete gate or transistor logic component, a discrete hardware component, or any combination thereof). In some cases, the processormay be configured to operate a memory array using a memory controller. In some other cases, a memory controller may be integrated into the processor. The processormay be configured to execute computer-readable instructions stored in a memory (e.g., the memory) to cause the deviceto perform various functions (e.g., functions or tasks supporting carrier switching with uplink carrier aggregation capability). For example, the deviceor a component of the devicemay include a processorand memorycoupled to the processor, the processorand memoryconfigured to perform various functions described herein.

1645 105 115 105 1645 115 1645 105 The inter-station communications managermay manage communications with other network entities, and may include a controller or scheduler for controlling communications with UEsin cooperation with other network entities. For example, the inter-station communications managermay coordinate scheduling for transmissions to UEsfor various interference mitigation techniques such as beamforming or joint transmission. In some examples, the inter-station communications managermay provide an X2 interface within an LTE/LTE-A wireless communications network technology to provide communication between network entities.

1620 1620 1620 1620 The communications managermay support wireless communication at a network entity in accordance with examples as disclosed herein. For example, the communications managermay be configured as or otherwise support a means for receiving a capability message indicating that a UE supports operation in an enhanced uplink carrier aggregation mode for transmission of a first uplink message on a first component carrier overlapping in time with transmission of a second uplink message on a second component carrier, where transmission of the second uplink message in accordance with the enhanced uplink carrier aggregation mode is associated with one or more interruption time gaps on the first component carrier. The communications managermay be configured as or otherwise support a means for receiving the first uplink message over the first component carrier in accordance with the enhanced uplink carrier aggregation mode. The communications managermay be configured as or otherwise support a means for receiving the second uplink message over the second component carrier after at least one of the one or more interruption time gaps on the first component carrier, in accordance with the enhanced uplink carrier aggregation mode.

1620 1615 1625 1620 1620 1640 1630 1635 1635 1640 1605 1640 1630 In some examples, the communications managermay be configured to perform various operations (e.g., receiving, monitoring, transmitting) using or otherwise in cooperation with the transceiver, the one or more antennas, or any combination thereof. Although the communications manageris illustrated as a separate component, in some examples, one or more functions described with reference to the communications managermay be supported by or performed by the processor, the memory, the code, or any combination thereof. For example, the codemay include instructions executable by the processorto cause the deviceto perform various aspects of carrier switching with uplink carrier aggregation capability as described herein, or the processorand the memorymay be otherwise configured to perform or support such operations.

17 FIG. 1 12 FIGS.through 1700 1700 1700 115 shows a flowchart illustrating a methodthat supports carrier switching with uplink carrier aggregation capability in accordance with aspects of the present disclosure. The operations of the methodmay be implemented by a UE or its components as described herein. For example, the operations of the methodmay be performed by a UEas described with reference to. In some examples, a UE may execute a set of instructions to control the functional elements of the UE to perform the described functions. Additionally or alternatively, the UE may perform aspects of the described functions using special-purpose hardware.

1705 1705 1705 1125 11 FIG. At, the method may include transmitting a capability message indicating that the UE supports operation in an enhanced uplink carrier aggregation mode for transmission of a first uplink message on a first component carrier overlapping in time with transmission of a second uplink message on a second component carrier, where transmission of the second uplink message in accordance with the enhanced uplink carrier aggregation mode is associated with one or more interruption time gaps on the first component carrier. The operations ofmay be performed in accordance with examples as disclosed herein. In some examples, aspects of the operations ofmay be performed by a capability message transmission componentas described with reference to.

1710 1710 1710 1135 11 FIG. At, the method may include transmitting the first uplink message over the first component carrier in accordance with the enhanced uplink carrier aggregation mode. The operations ofmay be performed in accordance with examples as disclosed herein. In some examples, aspects of the operations ofmay be performed by an uplink message transmission componentas described with reference to.

1715 1715 1715 1135 11 FIG. At, the method may include transmitting the second uplink message over the second component carrier after at least one of the one or more interruption time gaps on the first component carrier, in accordance with the enhanced uplink carrier aggregation mode. The operations ofmay be performed in accordance with examples as disclosed herein. In some examples, aspects of the operations ofmay be performed by an uplink message transmission componentas described with reference to.

18 FIG. 1 12 FIGS.through 1800 1800 1800 115 shows a flowchart illustrating a methodthat supports carrier switching with uplink carrier aggregation capability in accordance with aspects of the present disclosure. The operations of the methodmay be implemented by a UE or its components as described herein. For example, the operations of the methodmay be performed by a UEas described with reference to. In some examples, a UE may execute a set of instructions to control the functional elements of the UE to perform the described functions. Additionally or alternatively, the UE may perform aspects of the described functions using special-purpose hardware.

1805 1805 1805 1125 11 FIG. At, the method may include transmitting a capability message indicating that the UE supports operation in an enhanced uplink carrier aggregation mode for transmission of a first uplink message on a first component carrier overlapping in time with transmission of a second uplink message on a second component carrier, where transmission of the second uplink message in accordance with the enhanced uplink carrier aggregation mode is associated with one or more interruption time gaps on the first component carrier. The operations ofmay be performed in accordance with examples as disclosed herein. In some examples, aspects of the operations ofmay be performed by a capability message transmission componentas described with reference to.

1810 1810 1810 1140 11 FIG. At, the method may include signaling support for the enhanced uplink carrier aggregation mode on a per component carrier basis. The operations ofmay be performed in accordance with examples as disclosed herein. In some examples, aspects of the operations ofmay be performed by an enhanced uplink carrier aggregation mode componentas described with reference to.

1815 1815 1815 1135 11 FIG. At, the method may include transmitting the first uplink message over the first component carrier in accordance with the enhanced uplink carrier aggregation mode. The operations ofmay be performed in accordance with examples as disclosed herein. In some examples, aspects of the operations ofmay be performed by an uplink message transmission componentas described with reference to.

1820 1820 1820 1135 11 FIG. At, the method may include transmitting the second uplink message over the second component carrier after at least one of the one or more interruption time gaps on the first component carrier, in accordance with the enhanced uplink carrier aggregation mode. The operations ofmay be performed in accordance with examples as disclosed herein. In some examples, aspects of the operations ofmay be performed by an uplink message transmission componentas described with reference to.

19 FIG. 1 12 FIGS.through 1900 1900 1900 115 shows a flowchart illustrating a methodthat supports carrier switching with uplink carrier aggregation capability in accordance with aspects of the present disclosure. The operations of the methodmay be implemented by a UE or its components as described herein. For example, the operations of the methodmay be performed by a UEas described with reference to. In some examples, a UE may execute a set of instructions to control the functional elements of the UE to perform the described functions. Additionally or alternatively, the UE may perform aspects of the described functions using special-purpose hardware.

1905 1905 1905 1125 11 FIG. At, the method may include transmitting a capability message indicating that the UE supports operation in an enhanced uplink carrier aggregation mode for transmission of a first uplink message on a first component carrier overlapping in time with transmission of a second uplink message on a second component carrier, where transmission of the second uplink message in accordance with the enhanced uplink carrier aggregation mode is associated with one or more interruption time gaps on the first component carrier. The operations ofmay be performed in accordance with examples as disclosed herein. In some examples, aspects of the operations ofmay be performed by a capability message transmission componentas described with reference to.

1910 1910 1910 1145 11 FIG. At, the method may include operating, in accordance with the enhanced uplink carrier aggregation mode, a transmit chain associated with the second component carrier in a dormant mode prior to a scheduled transmission of the second uplink message over the second component carrier. The operations ofmay be performed in accordance with examples as disclosed herein. In some examples, aspects of the operations ofmay be performed by a dormant transmit chain componentas described with reference to.

1915 1915 1915 1155 11 FIG. At, the method may include activating the transmit chain during at least one of the one or more interruption gaps. The operations ofmay be performed in accordance with examples as disclosed herein. In some examples, aspects of the operations ofmay be performed by an active transmit chain componentas described with reference to.

1920 1920 1920 1135 11 FIG. At, the method may include transmitting the first uplink message over the first component carrier in accordance with the enhanced uplink carrier aggregation mode. The operations ofmay be performed in accordance with examples as disclosed herein. In some examples, aspects of the operations ofmay be performed by an uplink message transmission componentas described with reference to.

1925 1925 1925 1155 11 FIG. At, the method may include operating, in accordance with the enhanced uplink carrier aggregation mode, the transmit chain in an active mode during the scheduled transmission of the second uplink message over the second component carrier. The operations ofmay be performed in accordance with examples as disclosed herein. In some examples, aspects of the operations ofmay be performed by an active transmit chain componentas described with reference to.

1930 1930 1930 1135 11 FIG. At, the method may include transmitting the second uplink message over the second component carrier after at least one of the one or more interruption time gaps on the first component carrier, in accordance with the enhanced uplink carrier aggregation mode. The operations ofmay be performed in accordance with examples as disclosed herein. In some examples, aspects of the operations ofmay be performed by an uplink message transmission componentas described with reference to.

1935 1935 1935 1145 11 FIG. At, the method may include transitioning the transmit chain from the active mode to the dormant mode after transmission of the second uplink message. The operations ofmay be performed in accordance with examples as disclosed herein. In some examples, aspects of the operations ofmay be performed by a dormant transmit chain componentas described with reference to.

20 FIG. 1 8 13 16 FIGS.throughandthrough 2000 2000 2000 105 shows a flowchart illustrating a methodthat supports carrier switching with uplink carrier aggregation capability in accordance with aspects of the present disclosure. The operations of the methodmay be implemented by a network entity or its components as described herein. For example, the operations of the methodmay be performed by a network entityas described with reference to. In some examples, a network entity may execute a set of instructions to control the functional elements of the network entity to perform the described functions. Additionally or alternatively, the network entity may perform aspects of the described functions using special-purpose hardware.

2005 2005 2005 1525 15 FIG. At, the method may include receiving a capability message indicating that a UE supports operation in an enhanced uplink carrier aggregation mode for transmission of a first uplink message on a first component carrier overlapping in time with transmission of a second uplink message on a second component carrier, where transmission of the second uplink message in accordance with the enhanced uplink carrier aggregation mode is associated with one or more interruption time gaps on the first component carrier. The operations ofmay be performed in accordance with examples as disclosed herein. In some examples, aspects of the operations ofmay be performed by a capability message reception componentas described with reference to.

2010 2010 2010 1535 15 FIG. At, the method may include receiving the first uplink message over the first component carrier in accordance with the enhanced uplink carrier aggregation mode. The operations ofmay be performed in accordance with examples as disclosed herein. In some examples, aspects of the operations ofmay be performed by an uplink message reception componentas described with reference to.

2015 2015 2015 1535 15 FIG. At, the method may include receiving the second uplink message over the second component carrier after at least one of the one or more interruption time gaps on the first component carrier, in accordance with the enhanced uplink carrier aggregation mode. The operations ofmay be performed in accordance with examples as disclosed herein. In some examples, aspects of the operations ofmay be performed by an uplink message reception componentas described with reference to.

The following provides an overview of aspects of the present disclosure:

Aspect 1: A method for wireless communication at a UE, comprising: transmitting a capability message indicating that the UE supports operation in an enhanced uplink carrier aggregation mode for transmission of a first uplink message on a first component carrier overlapping in time with transmission of a second uplink message on a second component carrier, wherein transmission of the second uplink message in accordance with the enhanced uplink carrier aggregation mode is associated with one or more interruption time gaps on the first component carrier; transmitting the first uplink message over the first component carrier in accordance with the enhanced uplink carrier aggregation mode; and transmitting the second uplink message over the second component carrier after at least one of the one or more interruption time gaps on the first component carrier, in accordance with the enhanced uplink carrier aggregation mode.

Aspect 2: The method of aspect 1, wherein transmitting the capability message further comprises: signaling support for the enhanced uplink carrier aggregation mode on a per component carrier basis.

Aspect 3: The method of any of aspects 1 through 2, wherein transmitting the capability message further comprises: indicating, for the second component carrier, that the UE is capable of transitioning a transmit chain associated with the second component carrier between a dormant mode and an active mode.

Aspect 4: The method of any of aspects 1 through 3, wherein transmitting the capability message further comprises: indicating a duration of the one or more interruption time gaps.

Aspect 5: The method of any of aspects 1 through 4, further comprising: receiving, based at least in part on the transmitting of the capability message, a control message that indicates a configuration for the UE to operate in the enhanced uplink carrier aggregation mode.

Aspect 6: The method of aspect 5, wherein receiving the control message that indicates the configuration further comprises: receiving a configuration bit per component carrier, the configuration bit indicating whether the UE is to operate in the enhanced uplink carrier aggregation mode.

Aspect 7: The method of any of aspects 1 through 6, further comprising: operating, in accordance with the enhanced uplink carrier aggregation mode, a transmit chain associated with the second component carrier in a dormant mode prior to a scheduled transmission of the second uplink message over the second component carrier; activating the transmit chain during at least one of the one or more interruption time gaps; operating, in accordance with the enhanced uplink carrier aggregation mode, the transmit chain in an active mode during the scheduled transmission of the second uplink message over the second component carrier; and transitioning the transmit chain from the active mode to the dormant mode after transmission of the second uplink message.

Aspect 8: The method of aspect 7, wherein transitioning the transmit chain from the active mode to the dormant mode further comprises: activating a timer based on transmission of the second uplink message; and transitioning the transmit chain from the active mode to the dormant mode after expiration of the timer.

Aspect 9: The method of aspect 8, further comprising: resetting the timer prior to expiration of the timer and based at least in part on the UE being scheduled to transmit additional uplink messages over the second component carrier.

Aspect 10: The method of any of aspects 1 through 9, wherein the first uplink message and the second uplink message are each sounding reference signal messages.

Aspect 11: The method of any of aspects 1 through 10, wherein transmitting the capability message further comprises: signaling support for both uplink carrier aggregation and sounding reference signal carrier switching.

Aspect 12: The method of aspect 11, wherein transmitting the capability message further comprises: indicating support for simultaneous transmissions in connection with sounding reference signal carrier switching.

Aspect 13: A method for wireless communication at a network entity, comprising: receiving a capability message indicating that a UE supports operation in an enhanced uplink carrier aggregation mode for transmission of a first uplink message on a first component carrier overlapping in time with transmission of a second uplink message on a second component carrier, wherein transmission of the second uplink message in accordance with the enhanced uplink carrier aggregation mode is associated with one or more interruption time gaps on the first component carrier; and receiving the first uplink message over the first component carrier in accordance with the enhanced uplink carrier aggregation mode; and receiving the second uplink message over the second component carrier after at least one of the one or more interruption time gaps on the first component carrier, in accordance with the enhanced uplink carrier aggregation mode.

Aspect 14: The method of aspect 13, wherein receiving the capability message further comprises: receiving an indication of support for the enhanced uplink carrier aggregation mode on a per component carrier basis.

Aspect 15: The method of any of aspects 13 through 14, wherein receiving the capability message further comprises: receiving an indication, for the second component carrier, that the UE is capable of transitioning a transmit chain associated with the second component carrier between a dormant mode and an active mode.

Aspect 16: The method of any of aspects 13 through 15, wherein receiving the capability message further comprises: receiving an indication of a duration of the one or more interruption time gaps.

Aspect 17: The method of any of aspects 13 through 16, further comprising: transmitting, based at least in part on the capability message, a control message that indicates a configuration for the UE to operate in the enhanced uplink carrier aggregation mode.

Aspect 18: The method of aspect 17, wherein transmitting the control message that indicates the configuration further comprises: transmitting a configuration bit per component carrier, the configuration bit indicating whether the UE is to operate in the enhanced uplink carrier aggregation mode.

Aspect 19: The method of any of aspects 13 through 18, wherein the first uplink message and the second uplink message are each sounding reference signal messages.

Aspect 20: The method of any of aspects 13 through 19, wherein receiving the capability message further comprises: receiving an indication of support for both uplink carrier aggregation and sounding reference signal carrier switching.

Aspect 21: The method of aspect 20, wherein receiving the capability message further comprises: receiving an indication of support for simultaneous transmissions in connection with sounding reference signal carrier switching.

Aspect 22: An apparatus for wireless communication at a UE, comprising a processor; memory coupled with the processor; and instructions stored in the memory and executable by the processor to cause the apparatus to perform a method of any of aspects 1 through 12.

Aspect 23: An apparatus for wireless communication at a UE, comprising at least one means for performing a method of any of aspects 1 through 12.

Aspect 24: A non-transitory computer-readable medium storing code for wireless communication at a UE, the code comprising instructions executable by a processor to perform a method of any of aspects 1 through 12.

Aspect 25: An apparatus for wireless communication at a network entity, comprising a processor; memory coupled with the processor; and instructions stored in the memory and executable by the processor to cause the apparatus to perform a method of any of aspects 13 through 21.

Aspect 26: An apparatus for wireless communication at a network entity, comprising at least one means for performing a method of any of aspects 13 through 21.

Aspect 27: A non-transitory computer-readable medium storing code for wireless communication at a network entity, the code comprising instructions executable by a processor to perform a method of any of aspects 13 through 21.

It should be noted that the methods described herein describe possible implementations, and that the operations and the steps may be rearranged or otherwise modified and that other implementations are possible. Further, aspects from two or more of the methods may be combined.

Although aspects of an LTE, LTE-A, LTE-A Pro, or NR system may be described for purposes of example, and LTE, LTE-A, LTE-A Pro, or NR terminology may be used in much of the description, the techniques described herein are applicable beyond LTE, LTE-A, LTE-A Pro, or NR networks. For example, the described techniques may be applicable to various other wireless communications systems such as Ultra Mobile Broadband (UMB), Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE) 802.11 (Wi-Fi), IEEE 802.16 (WiMAX), IEEE 802.20, Flash-OFDM, as well as other systems and radio technologies not explicitly mentioned herein.

Information and signals described herein may be represented using any of a variety of different technologies and techniques. For example, data, instructions, commands, information, signals, bits, symbols, and chips that may be referenced throughout the description may be represented by voltages, currents, electromagnetic waves, magnetic fields or particles, optical fields or particles, or any combination thereof.

The various illustrative blocks and components described in connection with the disclosure herein may be implemented or performed with a general-purpose processor, a DSP, an ASIC, a CPU, an FPGA or other programmable logic device, discrete gate or transistor logic, discrete hardware components, or any combination thereof designed to perform the functions described herein. A general-purpose processor may be a microprocessor, but in the alternative, the processor may be any processor, controller, microcontroller, or state machine. A processor may also be implemented as a combination of computing devices (e.g., a combination of a DSP and a microprocessor, multiple microprocessors, one or more microprocessors in conjunction with a DSP core, or any other such configuration).

The functions described herein may be implemented in hardware, software executed by a processor, firmware, or any combination thereof. If implemented in software executed by a processor, the functions may be stored on or transmitted over as one or more instructions or code on a computer-readable medium. Other examples and implementations are within the scope of the disclosure and appended claims. For example, due to the nature of software, functions described herein may be implemented using software executed by a processor, hardware, firmware, hardwiring, or combinations of any of these. Features implementing functions may also be physically located at various positions, including being distributed such that portions of functions are implemented at different physical locations.

Computer-readable media includes both non-transitory computer storage media and communication media including any medium that facilitates transfer of a computer program from one place to another. A non-transitory storage medium may be any available medium that may be accessed by a general-purpose or special-purpose computer. By way of example, and not limitation, non-transitory computer-readable media may include RAM, ROM, electrically erasable programmable ROM (EEPROM), flash memory, compact disk (CD) ROM or other optical disk storage, magnetic disk storage or other magnetic storage devices, or any other non-transitory medium that may be used to carry or store desired program code means in the form of instructions or data structures and that may be accessed by a general-purpose or special-purpose computer, or a general-purpose or special-purpose processor. Also, any connection is properly termed a computer-readable medium. For example, if the software is transmitted from a website, server, or other remote source using a coaxial cable, fiber optic cable, twisted pair, digital subscriber line (DSL), or wireless technologies such as infrared, radio, and microwave, then the coaxial cable, fiber optic cable, twisted pair, DSL, or wireless technologies such as infrared, radio, and microwave are included in the definition of computer-readable medium. Disk and disc, as used herein, include CD, laser disc, optical disc, digital versatile disc (DVD), floppy disk and Blu-ray disc where disks usually reproduce data magnetically, while discs reproduce data optically with lasers. Combinations of the above are also included within the scope of computer-readable media.

As used herein, including in the claims, “or” as used in a list of items (e.g., a list of items prefaced by a phrase such as “at least one of” or “one or more of”) indicates an inclusive list such that, for example, a list of at least one of A, B, or C means A or B or C or AB or AC or BC or ABC (i.e., A and B and C). Also, as used herein, the phrase “based on” shall not be construed as a reference to a closed set of conditions. For example, an example step that is described as “based on condition A” may be based on both a condition A and a condition B without departing from the scope of the present disclosure. In other words, as used herein, the phrase “based on” shall be construed in the same manner as the phrase “based at least in part on.”

The term “determine” or “determining” encompasses a wide variety of actions and, therefore, “determining” can include calculating, computing, processing, deriving, investigating, looking up (such as via looking up in a table, a database or another data structure), ascertaining and the like. Also, “determining” can include receiving (such as receiving information), accessing (such as accessing data in a memory) and the like. Also, “determining” can include resolving, selecting, choosing, establishing and other such similar actions.

In the appended figures, similar components or features may have the same reference label. Further, various components of the same type may be distinguished by following the reference label by a dash and a second label that distinguishes among the similar components. If just the first reference label is used in the specification, the description is applicable to any one of the similar components having the same first reference label irrespective of the second reference label, or other subsequent reference label.

The description set forth herein, in connection with the appended drawings, describes example configurations and does not represent all the examples that may be implemented or that are within the scope of the claims. The term “example” used herein means “serving as an example, instance, or illustration,” and not “preferred” or “advantageous over other examples.” The detailed description includes specific details for the purpose of providing an understanding of the described techniques. These techniques, however, may be practiced without these specific details. In some instances, known structures and devices are shown in block diagram form in order to avoid obscuring the concepts of the described examples.

The description herein is provided to enable a person having ordinary skill in the art to make or use the disclosure. Various modifications to the disclosure will be apparent to a person having ordinary skill in the art, and the generic principles defined herein may be applied to other variations without departing from the scope of the disclosure. Thus, the disclosure is not limited to the examples and designs described herein but is to be accorded the broadest scope consistent with the principles and novel features disclosed herein.